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The Role of Neuroinflammation in Pv Interneuron Impairments in Brain Networks; Implications for Cognitive Disorders Publisher



Allami P1, 2 ; Yazdanpanah N1, 3, 4 ; Rezaei N2, 3, 4
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Student's Scientific Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St, Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
  2. 2. Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran
  3. 3. Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St, Tehran, Tehran, 1416634793, Iran

Source: Reviews in the Neurosciences Published:2025


Abstract

Fast spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneuron is an inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneuron diffused in different brain networks, including the cortex and hippocampus. As a key component of brain networks, PV interneurons collaborate in fundamental brain functions such as learning and memory by regulating excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance and generating gamma oscillations. The unique characteristics of PV interneurons, like their high metabolic demands and long branching axons, make them too vulnerable to stressors. Neuroinflammation is one of the most significant stressors that have an adverse, long-lasting impact on PV interneurons. Neuroinflammation affects PV interneurons through specialized inflammatory pathways triggered by cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The crucial cells in neuroinflammation, microglia, also play a significant role. The destructive effect of inflammation on PV interneurons can have comprehensive effects and cause neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and bipolar disorder. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of mechanisms in which neuroinflammation leads to PV interneuron hypofunction in these diseases. The integrated knowledge about the role of PV interneurons in cognitive networks of the brain and mechanisms involved in PV interneuron impairment in the pathology of these diseases can help us with better therapeutic interventions. © 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2025.