Microglia Plasticity During Health and Disease: An Immunological Perspective

Microglia are macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) that continuously scrutinize their environment for damage. They colonize the cephalic mesenchyme during embryogenesis and actively shape the developing neuronal network by immune-mediated mechanisms. Upon CNS maturation, microglia drastic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in immunology 2015-10, Vol.36 (10), p.614-624
Main Authors: Shemer, Anat, Erny, Daniel, Jung, Steffen, Prinz, Marco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergy and Immunology
Animals
Central Nervous System - immunology
Central Nervous System - metabolism
Central Nervous System Diseases
Homeostasis
Humans
Macrophages - immunology
Macrophages - metabolism
Microglia - physiology
Neuroimmunomodulation
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Summary:Microglia are macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) that continuously scrutinize their environment for damage. They colonize the cephalic mesenchyme during embryogenesis and actively shape the developing neuronal network by immune-mediated mechanisms. Upon CNS maturation, microglia drastically change phenotype and function. During health, adult microglia contribute to homeostasis, but also the establishment and resolution of inflammatory conditions. Fulfillment of these distinct tasks requires these long-lived cells to accurately adjust to their changing environment. Deciphering microglia responsiveness to divergent stimuli is central to understanding this cell type and for eventual microglia manipulation to potentially reduce disease burden. Here we discuss new aspects of myeloid cell biology in general with special emphasis on the shifting role of microglia during establishment and protection of CNS integrity.
ISSN:1471-4906
1471-4981
DOI:10.1016/j.it.2015.08.003