Fig. 7: Schematic diagram showing FABP7- induced inflammation in monocytes during MS. | Nature Communications

Fig. 7: Schematic diagram showing FABP7- induced inflammation in monocytes during MS.

From: FABP7 is increased in progressive multiple sclerosis and induces a pro-inflammatory phenotype in monocytes through a glycolytic switch

Fig. 7: Schematic diagram showing FABP7- induced inflammation in monocytes during MS.

(1) Inflammation and BBB damage cause infiltration of monocytes and other immune in the brain during MS. (2) Activated or dying astrocytes release FABP7 which creates an inflammatory environment for the infiltrating monocytes. (3) The release of FABP7 increases glycolysis in monocytes and triggers TLR4-signaling, leading to increased expression of M1 macrophage associated markers. (4) These M1 macrophages increase the inflammation burden by producing interleukins such as IL-1β and promote demyelination in neurons leading to loss of brain volume. (5) The released FABP7 may cross the disrupted BBB and serve as a biomarker for brain atrophy in MS patients. (Created in BioRender. Patel, R. (2025) https://BioRender.com/i41h044).

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