Neuronal and glial cells in the central nervous system

Neuronal and glial cells are the fundamental cellular components of the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons are the primary signaling units, responsible for transmitting information via electrical and chemical signals to coordinate sensory, motor, and cognitive functions (Purves et al., 2018). Glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, provide essential support by maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin sheaths, and mediating immune responses within the brain and spinal cord (Jessen, 2004; NIH, 2023). While these cells are the site of action for numerous pharmacological agents, they represent a complex biological system rather than a single therapeutic target (StatPearls, 2023). Dysfunction or loss of these cells is central to the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis (PubMed, 2022). Consequently, drug development often focuses on specific receptors or enzymes expressed by these cells to modulate their activity or protect them from damage (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021). Monitoring the health and activity of these cells often involves biomarkers like neurofilament light chain for neuronal damage and glial fibrillary acidic protein for astrogliosis (Zetterberg, 2016).

Other names

Central nervous system cellsCNS neurons and gliaNeural cellsBrain cells

Not applicable; this entry refers to a broad cell population rather than a specific molecular target.