Neuroinflammation and peripheral immunity: Focus on ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) produces a powerful inflammatory cascade in the brain, resulting in the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is triggered not only by resident immune cells, but also by neutrophils, macrophages, and T lymphocytes infiltrating the peripheral immune system. The disruption of the blood–brain barrier appears to exacerbate inflammatory infiltrates after IS. In turn, IS also has effects on peripheral immunity, manifested as peripheral immunosuppression syndrome, which increases the risk of stroke-associated infections such as pneumonia. Moreover, strokes also damage peripheral organs such as the heart, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of central neuroinflammation and stroke-induced immunosuppression in the context of IS.