Schwann cells as a therapeutic target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A TDP-43 focussed review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, lethal neurodegenerative disease and a proteinopathy with >97 % of cases characterised by pathological accumulation of TDP-43. TDP-43 is ubiquitously expressed and its pathological accumulation has now been identified in non-neuronal cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Thus, the expansion to exploring other cells and their contribution to ALS pathogenesis may be the key to finding more effective treatments. Schwann cells are the myelinating cells of the peripheral nervous system, that encase neuronal axons to propagate action potentials, maintain neuronal health, and respond to neuronal activity in the extracellular environment. Despite Schwann cells being identified to exhibit aberrant TDP-43 proteinopathy in ALS patients, their role in disease remains elusive. Here, we review the potential contributions of Schwann cells to ALS as well as the prospective benefits of harnessing Schwann cells treat the disease.