Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a complex cascade of events, including primary mechanical damage and subsequent secondary injury processes. Neuroinflammation is a critical component of this secondary injury response, playing a dual role in both promoting recovery and exacerbating neuronal damage. This review examines the intricate neuroimmune mechanisms involved in TBI, highlighting key discoveries in this rapidly evolving field. We discuss the roles of resident immune cells (microglia and astrocytes), infiltrating peripheral immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators in the acute and chronic phases of TBI. Furthermore, we explore the implications of these findings for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the neuroimmune response and improving outcomes after TBI.