Schwann cells are glial cells that myelinate axons in the PNS. Upon injury, they undergo a process known as Wallerian degeneration, wherein they clear away debris from the damaged axons. They then proliferate and align themselves along the basal lamina, forming a pathway for new axonal growth. Schwann cells also release neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to enhance neural repair.
