Advances of researches on astrocytes in inflammatory diseases of central nervous system

Astrocytes respond to various forms of central nervous system (CNS) damage which are activated to be reactive astrocytes and participate in tissue repairing, initiation and progression of neuroinflammatory diseases in CNS through neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects. The mechanism of reactive astrocytes is mainly related to their phenotypic transformation and activation of downstream inflammatory pathways. Exploring the characterization of reactive astrocytes and the underling mechanisms may provide unique insights into the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases and to identify potential targets of clinical treatment.