Dynamic Intercellular Networks in the CNS: Mechanisms of Crosstalk from Homeostasis to Neurodegeneration
Yutian Zheng, Rui Huang, Jie Pan
Abstract
Intercellular communication in the central nervous system (CNS) is essential for maintaining neural function and coordinating responses to injury or disease. With recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, a growing body of research has revealed that this communication is highly dynamic, shifting across states of health, aging, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. In this review, we synthesize the current findings on intercellular communication networks involving neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and other glial populations in the CNS across four major states: healthy homeostasis, aging, demyelinating diseases, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We focus on how changes in intercellular communication contribute to the maintenance or disruption of CNS integrity and function. Mechanistic insights into these signaling networks have revealed new molecular targets and pathways that may be exploited for therapeutic intervention. By comparing the intercellular signaling mechanisms across different disease contexts, we underscore the importance of CNS crosstalk not only as a hallmark of disease progression, but also as a potential gateway for precision therapy.