The process of glial scar formation can be divided into several key stages:
1. Injury and Inflammation: Following CNS injury, there is an immediate response that includes the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to the activation of microglia and astrocytes. 2. Astrocyte Activation: Reactive astrocytes proliferate and migrate to the injury site. They undergo morphological changes, becoming hypertrophic with extended processes. 3. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Deposition: Astrocytes and other glial cells produce and secrete various ECM components, such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which form a dense barrier around the injury site. 4. Scar Maturation: The glial scar matures over time, becoming a stable structure that isolates the damaged area from the healthy tissue.
