Local Injection of Lenti–BDNF at the Lesion Site Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Inhibits Inflammatory Response After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

This study investigates the impact of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on inflammation and macrophage polarization following spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Mice received injections of a virus carrying the BDNF gene (lenti-BDNF) at the injury site, and the effects on immune cells called macrophages were examined. The research found that BDNF promotes a shift in macrophages from an inflammatory type (M1) to an anti-inflammatory type (M2), reducing inflammation and aiding in functional recovery after SCI.

• 1
  Lenti-BDNF injections increased BDNF levels and promoted M2 macrophage polarization at the injury site.
• 2
  BDNF overexpression reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b and TNF-a) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-13).
• 3
  Lenti-BDNF treatment prevented corticospinal tract (CST) axon retraction and improved motor function recovery after SCI.