The role of innate and adaptive immunity in Wallerian degeneration in peripheral nerve crush injury

Some trauma patients develop peripheral nerve injury due to crush injuries resulting from severe trauma and blunt force. Recovery from peripheral nerve injuries is frequently inadequate and requires months or even years. This recovery process is associated with both the innate immune system, comprised of Schwann cells, neutrophils, and macrophages and the adaptive immune system. Prior to the regeneration process, the two immune systems work collaboratively to eliminate myelin and axon protein debris in Wallerian degeneration.