Advances in Meningeal Neuroimmunology
JIAO Jianwei1*, LI Yanxin2*
For decades, the meninges were long regarded merely as a passive physical barrier of the CNS (central nervous system). Emerging evidence, however, has redefined them as a pivotal neuroimmune crosstalk hub, playing an indispensable role in maintaining CNS homeostasis and driving disease pathogenesis. This review synthesizes the latest advances in the meninges-focused neuroimmune field, with particular emphasis on the menin- geal lymphatic system, dynamic immune cell regulation, and neural-immune signaling pathways. Current research still faces persistent challenges, including marked heterogeneity of the MiME (meningeal immune microenvironment) and poorly defined dynamic regulatory mechanisms governing meningeal immunity. Furthermore, the precise pathophysiological roles of the MiME in disorders such as MS (multiple sclerosis), AD (Alzheimer’s disease), and meningitis remain to be fully elucidated. By systematically consolidating recent transformative findings, this review aims to delineate the pathological contributions of meningeal immunity across diverse disease contexts, providing a robust theoretical framework and highlighting priority research directions to advance understanding of CNS neuroimmune mechanisms and guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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