Fig. 8: Graphic summary.

(Left) NK cells’ effects in the spinal cord of hSOD1G93A mice at the early symptomatic stage. NK cells directly exert cytotoxic activity against MNs through the NKG2D-Mult-1 axis. Furthermore, IFNγ released by NK cells: (i) increases the release of CCL2 by damaged neurons; (ii) reduces the number of Treg Foxp3+ cells; (iii) shapes microglia toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. (Right) NK cell depletion, in hSOD1G93A mice, induces neuroprotective microglia phenotype, increases the number of Treg Foxp3+ cells, protecting the MNs.