Two out of every one thousand babies born today is at risk for brain
damage that can occur before, during and after delivery. These
injuries are often caused by infections in the blood or by a reduction
in the supply of oxygen and blood that can lead to brain
inflammations. More common in premature babies, such injuries result
in neurological problems like cerebral palsy, learning difficulties,
epilepsy and other issues.

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy have
now discovered toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the innate immune system.
They believe that they play a primary role in the brain’s state in
newborns. Using mice in their study to simulate brain injuries like
those found in newborns, Linnea Stridh and her colleagues found that
specific TLRs contribute to brain damage following hypoxia.

As Stridh said, “An infection can activate these receptors, making the
brain more sensitive to hypoxia, resulting in worse brain damage. If
these signals are blocked, the degree of brain damage is reduced.”

It had previously been shown that these receptors are part of the
problem with stroke-related brain damage in adults. This is the first
time, however, that TLRs have been shown to be present in the immature
brain and to play a major role there. As Stridh explained, “By
understanding the role of toll-like receptors in the inflammatory
process following brain injury, we hope eventually to find more
effective treatment strategies.”

See the original study to learn more.
Source: http://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/27809