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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Understanding Through Technological Innovations in Psychoneuroimmunology
Published on: May 31, 2024
Microglia, synaptic dynamics and forgetting
Chao Wang1, Lang Wang2, Yan Gu1
1Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are the major immune cells in the brain parenchyma. Besides their immune functions, microglia are important in regulating the dynamics of synapses. It is believed that the stability of synapses is essential for long-term storage and retrieval of memories, whereas microglial regulation of synaptic dynamics could affect the stability of memories, thus providing a potential mechanism for forgetting. In this review, we focus on the regulation of synaptic dynamics by microglia, as well as the subsequent effects on memory and forgetting, under physiological and pathological conditions. Revealing microglial regulation of synaptic dynamics will not only illuminate the physiological functions of microglia in the brain, but also provide us a new perspective to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying forgetting. In addition, this will also improve our understanding of the process of memory encoding, storage and retrieval in the brain. Furthermore, uncovering the mechanisms through which microglia act on synaptic dynamics in pathological conditions will provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment in diseases.
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