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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
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Microglial Phenotypes and Functions in Multiple Sclerosis

Elaine O'Loughlin1, Charlotte Madore1, Hans Lassmann2

  • 1Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|February 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play dual roles in multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding their functions, like phagocytosis and repair, offers new therapeutic targets for MS treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are central nervous system immune cells that survey and respond to environmental changes.
  • The role of microglial activation in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains debated, with evidence suggesting both detrimental and beneficial effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review microglial phenotypes and functions in the context of MS.
  • To examine the diverse functions of microglia, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, immunomodulation, support, and repair.
  • To discuss microglia-related targets as potential biomarkers and therapeutics for MS.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human pathological studies.
  • Review of in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
  • Examination of novel microglial markers and RNA profiling data.

Main Results:

  • Microglial activation in MS exhibits opposing, yet interconnected, roles.
  • Evidence from human studies and experimental models elucidates microglial functional diversity.
  • Emerging data highlight microglia as potential targets for MS biomarkers and therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial functional diversity is critical in understanding MS pathogenesis.
  • Targeting microglia offers promising avenues for developing novel MS biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

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