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Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia in CNS development: Shaping the brain for the future
Coralie-Anne Mosser1, Sofia Baptista1, Isabelle Arnoux2
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1128 Paris, France; Laboratory of Neurophysiology and New Microscopies, Paris Descartes University, France.
Abstract:
Microglial cells are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) and are mainly known for their roles in neuropathologies. However, major recent developments have revealed that these immune cells actively interact with neurons in physiological conditions and can modulate the fate and functions of synapses. Originating from myeloid precursors born in the yolk sac, microglial cells invade the CNS during early embryonic development. As a consequence they can potentially influence neuronal proliferation, migration and differentiation as well as the formation and maturation of neuronal networks, thereby contributing to the entire shaping of the CNS. We review here recent evidence indicating that microglial cells are indeed involved in crucial steps of the CNS development, including neuronal survival and apoptosis, axonal growth, migration of neurons, pruning of supernumerary synapses and functional maturation of developing synapses. We also discuss current hypotheses proposing that diverting microglial cells of their physiological functions, by promoting the expression of an immune phenotype during development, may be central to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy.
Insights
Microglial cells, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for healthy central nervous system (CNS) development by interacting with neurons. Disruptions in their normal function during development may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglial cells are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Traditionally recognized for roles in neuropathology, recent research highlights their physiological functions in neuronal interaction and synapse modulation.
- These cells originate from embryonic yolk sac precursors and colonize the CNS early in development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence on the critical roles of microglial cells during CNS development.
- To explore how microglial cells influence neuronal survival, differentiation, network formation, and synaptic maturation.
- To discuss the potential link between altered microglial function during development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of microglial cell origins and developmental pathways.
- Synthesis of findings on microglial-neuronal interactions in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Main Results:
- Microglial cells actively participate in key CNS developmental processes, including neuronal survival, apoptosis regulation, axonal guidance, and neuronal migration.
- They play a vital role in synapse formation, maturation, and the "pruning" of excess synapses.
- Evidence suggests microglial cells are integral to shaping the developing brain's architecture and function.
Conclusions:
- Microglial cells are essential for normal CNS development, influencing neuronal fate and network formation.
- Deviations from their physiological roles, particularly the induction of an immune phenotype during development, are hypothesized to underlie neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
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