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Sahu et al. Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:2 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-8659.2017.43 Page 11 of 14

Figure 1. Schematic presentation depicting possible cooperation between pathogen factors altering immune inflammatory pathways in general
influencing host cell autophagy regulatory genes (hypothetical) that cause a massive neuronal damage in certain intracranial infections

site of infection, which is considered to be protective to the host. However, an excessive auto-degeneration
of the neuronal cells can be harmful. The question arises, whether there are any known direct interactions
of intracellular pathogens (having neurotropism) with this degradative pathway that favor the pathogens for
intracerebral survival and growth? It is worth exploring if there is any cooperation between pathogen factors
altering immune inflammatory pathways, thereby influencing host cell autophagy regulatory genes that cause
massive neuronal damage in intracranial infections as hypothesized presently [Figure 1]. Targeting some key
pathways with respect to infectious causes of neurodegeneration will be the need of tomorrow’s new drug
discovery that may or may not include the targeting of autophagy for minimizing brain matter degeneration.

DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
The authors sincerely acknowledge Ms. Hollie Craig, from University of Edinburgh Medical School for her
time and contribution in proof reading and polishing the English language in this manuscript.

Authors’ contributions
Conceptualized the theme, designed the literature review process: Sahu PS
Contributed in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of information; drafted the manuscript; and
approved the final version to be published: Sahu PS, Ter E

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.

Patient consent
Not applicable.

Ethics approval
Not applicable.