Central nervous system and retinal neural and glial cells

Central nervous system (CNS) and retinal neural and glial cells represent the primary cellular constituents of the brain, spinal cord, and retina. This classification includes neurons, which are responsible for electrical signaling and information processing, and glial cells—such as astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and Müller cells—which provide essential metabolic, structural, and immune support (Verkhratsky & Butt, 2013). In the retina, these cells facilitate the phototransduction process and maintain the blood-retinal barrier, serving as a functional extension of the CNS (London et al., 2013). Pathological changes in these cells, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, are central to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as ocular conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (Bringmann et al., 2006). Because this term describes a broad cellular population rather than a specific protein or receptor, it is not considered a single therapeutic target in drug discovery. Instead, pharmacological interventions typically target specific receptors, enzymes, or ion channels expressed within these cells to treat neurological and retinal disorders (Zetterberg & Blennow, 2021).

Other names

CNS and retinal cellsNeural and glial cells of the CNS and retinaNeuro-glial unitCentral nervous system and retinal neural/glial cells

Not applicable as a single molecular mechanism; involves diverse pathways across multiple cell types including NMDA receptor antagonism and VEGF inhibition.