IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-CD40+ MHC-II+ astrocytes promote Th17 cell-driven CNS autoimmunity

CD40+ MHC-II+ astrocytes promote Th17 cell-driven CNS autoimmunity

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker presented research on how astrocytes interact with infiltrating T cells during CNS inflammation, especially in EAE/MS models. They identified a CD40- and MHC II-positive astrocyte population that appears at inflammation peaks and promotes pathogenic T17 responses. Disabling astrocyte CD40 or MHC II reduced disease severity. Using antigen-presentation assays and a biotin-labeling “LIPSIC” system, they showed astrocytes physically engage CD4 T cells and can present myelin antigen. They also discovered a CD40 signaling cascade linked to lipid droplet accumulation in astrocytes, suggesting a new inflammatory mechanism and possible therapeutic target.

Meta Tag

Date April 18, 2026 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Room 157

Session Neurodegenerative & Autoimmune Disorders

Speaker Joon-Hyuk Lee

Track Neuroimmunology (NEUR)

Year 2026

Keywords

astrocytes

T cells

CNS inflammation

CD40

MHC II

April 18, 2026 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

157

Neurodegenerative & Autoimmune Disorders

Joon-Hyuk Lee

Neuroimmunology (NEUR)

2026