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Published on: April 13, 2017
[The Role of Microglia in the Homeostasis of the Central Nervous System and Neuroinflammation]
V S Gogoleva1,2, M S Drutskaya1, K S-N Atretkhany1,3
1Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991 Russia.
Abstract:
Recently, much attention has been drawn to unraveling the mechanisms of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease pathogenesis. A special role in the development of neuropathologies is assigned to the interaction of the nervous and the immune systems. Microglia are the cells of the immune system that function as resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) and are involved in the development of CNS, as well as in homeostatic interactions. Impaired microglia can contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. With the help of genome editing technologies, the main paradigms in the development and functions of microglia have been addressed. At the same time, an understanding of the mechanisms of regulation of microglia in normal and pathological conditions is necessary to create an effective therapy aimed at treating various neurological diseases. This review focuses on recent findings on the origin of microglia, its regulatory role in the central nervous system, as well as its contribution to the development of neuroinflammation.
Insights
Microglia, the central nervous system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Immunology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases involve complex interactions between the nervous and immune systems.
- Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a critical role in CNS development, homeostasis, and disease.
- Dysfunctional microglia are implicated in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on microglia's origin, regulatory functions in the CNS, and their contribution to neuroinflammation.
- To highlight the necessity of understanding microglia regulation for developing effective therapies for neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature focusing on microglia biology and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of studies utilizing genome editing technologies to investigate microglia development and function.
Main Results:
- Genome editing has advanced the understanding of microglia development and function.
- Microglia's origin and their multifaceted regulatory roles in the CNS are increasingly elucidated.
- The contribution of microglia to neuroinflammatory processes is a key area of ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microglia regulation in both normal and pathological states is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Further research into microglia biology is essential for combating neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
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