Sublime microglia: expanding roles for the guardians of the CNS

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Traditionally, microglia were viewed as primarily involved in the central nervous system's (CNS) response to injury and disease.
• Emerging evidence suggests microglia have essential physiological roles in the healthy CNS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the disease-centric view of microglia.
• To propose a conceptual framework for microglial functions beyond neuroinflammation.
• To highlight the signaling mechanisms underlying both physiological and pathological roles of microglia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of recent findings.
• Development of a conceptual framework based on existing evidence.
• Analysis of microglial signaling and communication pathways.

Main Results:

• Microglia actively sculpt CNS structure and refine neuronal circuitry.
• Microglia contribute to neural plasticity and network connectivity in the healthy CNS.
• These functions are present from development through maturity.

Conclusions:

• Microglia are integral to normal CNS physiology, not just pathology.
• A broader understanding of microglial roles is essential.
• Microglial signaling pathways are critical for both health and disease in the CNS.