Non-mammalian model systems for studying neuro-immune interactions after spinal cord injury

Mammals often struggle to recover from spinal cord injuries, leading to loss of function. However, many non-mammalian vertebrates can spontaneously recover. By studying these animals, we can identify biological processes that support or hinder recovery after SCI. One hypothesis is that non-mammalian vertebrates possess less inhibitory factors, such as weaker immune responses near the injury zone, compared to mammals. This review focuses on the immune responses to SCI in several non-mammalian species that achieve anatomical and functional recovery after SCI. Understanding the immune responses to SCI in non-mammalian vertebrates that achieve functional recovery spontaneously may identify novel strategies to modulate immune responses in less regenerative species and promote recovery after SCI.

• 1
  Lampreys, zebrafish, salamanders, frogs, and turtles exhibit axon regeneration after spinal cord injury, followed by a glial bridge formation.
• 2
  Lampreys are capable of full functional recovery over 12 weeks, corresponding to regeneration of reticulospinal axons through the lesion site.
• 3
  Acute inflammation drives neurogenesis and neuronal regeneration in zebrafish after traumatic brain injury.