Mitochondria are exceptionally primed to play a key role in neuronal cell survival since they are involved in energy production and function as the metabolic center of cells. Several findings provide evidence for the role of mitochondria in neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD and PD). Recent data highlight the role of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the intracellular signaling that regulates innate immunity and inflammation. In this chapter, we will discuss the relevance of the interplay between mitochondria and innate immunity, focusing on mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and how they can activate innate immunity and elicit AD and PD neurodegenerative process.
Part of the book: Mitochondrial Diseases