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Microglial Metabolism After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury - Overlooked Bystanders or Active Participants?
Aria C Shi1, Ursula Rohlwink2,3, Susanna Scafidi1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Abstract:
Microglia play an integral role in brain development but are also crucial for repair and recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI induces an intense innate immune response in the immature, developing brain that is associated with acute and chronic changes in microglial function. These changes contribute to long-lasting consequences on development, neurologic function, and behavior. Although alterations in glucose metabolism are well-described after TBI, the bulk of the data is focused on metabolic alterations in astrocytes and neurons. To date, the interplay between alterations in intracellular metabolic pathways in microglia and the innate immune response in the brain following an injury is not well-studied. In this review, we broadly discuss the microglial responses after TBI. In addition, we highlight reported metabolic alterations in microglia and macrophages, and provide perspective on how changes in glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism can influence and modulate the microglial phenotype and response to injury.
Insights
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) alters microglial metabolism, impacting brain development and recovery. Understanding these metabolic shifts in microglia is key to addressing TBI
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Microglia are vital for brain development and repair after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- TBI triggers an innate immune response in the developing brain, altering microglial function and leading to long-term consequences.
- While metabolic changes in neurons and astrocytes post-TBI are known, microglial metabolic pathways remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglial responses to TBI.
- To highlight metabolic alterations in microglia and macrophages following TBI.
- To explore how altered glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism influence microglial phenotype and injury response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microglial responses to TBI.
- Analysis of studies reporting metabolic alterations in microglia and macrophages.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on metabolic pathways and microglial function.
Main Results:
- TBI significantly impacts microglial function and the innate immune response in the developing brain.
- Alterations in glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism are observed in microglia post-TBI.
- These metabolic changes are implicated in modulating microglial phenotype and response to injury.
Conclusions:
- Microglial metabolic reprogramming is a critical factor in TBI outcomes.
- Further research into microglial metabolism is needed to understand and potentially mitigate TBI consequences.
- Targeting microglial metabolic pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for TBI recovery.
