Circadian Regulation of Neuroinflammation

The circadian clock, an intrinsic 24-h oscillator, is intricately linked to the immune system, playing a pivotal role in regulating various biological processes such as immunological responses, neuroinflammation, glial function, and redox homeostasis. The rhythmic expression patterns of cytokines and their receptors, along with circadian-controlled substances like glucocorticoids, melatonin, and leptin, serve as critical modulators for the immune system’s impact on circadian rhythms. Disruption of the circadian clock profoundly affects essential processes underlying immune response and brain function. Despite substantial evidence indicating the mutual influence between the circadian system and neuroinflammation, the precise mechanisms connecting circadian clocks, the immune system, and neuroinflammatory pathways remain elusive. This section delves into the interplay between the circadian system and neuroinflammation, providing a comprehensive overview of circadian regulation in both central and peripheral immune cells, with a particular focus on those implicated in neuroinflammatory processes. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing early interventions for neurodegenerative disorders, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches by elucidating the mechanistic links between the circadian clock, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.