传统观念认为，中枢神经系统(CNS)是免疫特许器官。近些年，这一观念正在逐渐被打破，但对它的彻底打破尚依赖于我们对CNS免疫特性的更深入和完整的理解。申请人最近发现，被认为在发育期负责少突胶质细胞分化的NG2胶质细胞在大脑先天免疫调节中发挥了一个新的作用，即具有显著的抑制CNS炎症的能力。本项目拟以该细胞为切入点，通过loss/gain-of-function的实验手段，确认NG2胶质细胞在CNS免疫稳态维持中的作用和地位；从该类型细胞出发，探讨它们与小胶质细胞之间在免疫平衡中的相互作用。在此基础上，对该类细胞调节的CNS免疫特性在神经退行性疾病帕金森病发病过程中的作用和贡献做出评价，本研究的顺利实施有望加深我们对中枢神经系统免疫属性和神经炎症基本特征的理解，为找到新的脑疾病干预靶点创造条件。

It has been generally believed for decades that the central nervous system (CNS) is an immune-privileged organ. However, this concept is gradually revised in the last several years. More efforts are required to achieve a more complete understanding of CNS immune property. We have recently found that ablation of NG2 glia promotes neuroinflammation. We hypotheses that NG2 glia is capable of suppressing neuroinflammation. In this proposed study, we aim to address the following questions: (1) the role of NG2 glia in the immune homeostasis of adult CNS. (2) How NG2 glia interplays with microglia, a resident immune cell in the CNS in response to pathological stimuli; (3) the role of NG2 glia in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. This study will be expected to improve our understanding on immune properties of the central nervous system and their contributions to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders.