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Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Primary Microglia Isolation from Mixed Glial Cell Cultures of Neonatal Rat Brain Tissue
Published on: August 15, 2012
Targeting Microglial Disturbances to Protect the Brain From Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated With Prematurity
Andrée Delahaye-Duriez1,2,3, Adrien Dufour1, Cindy Bokobza1
1From the NeuroDiderot, UMR 1141, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Microglial activation during critical phases of brain development can result in short- and long-term consequences for neurological and psychiatric health. Several studies in humans and rodents have shown that microglial activation, leading to a transition from the homeostatic state toward a proinflammatory phenotype, has adverse effects on the developing brain and neurodevelopmental disorders. Targeting proinflammatory microglia may be an effective strategy for protecting the brain and attenuating neurodevelopmental disorders induced by inflammation. In this review we focus on the role of inflammation and the activation of immature microglia (pre-microglia) soon after birth in prematurity-associated neurodevelopmental disorders, and the specific features of pre-microglia during development. We also highlight the relevance of immunomodulatory strategies for regulating activated microglia in a rodent model of perinatal brain injury. An original neuroprotective approach involving a nanoparticle-based therapy and targeting microglia, with the aim of improving myelination and protecting the developing brain, is also addressed.
Insights
Inflammation-activated immature microglia (pre-microglia) harm brain development, potentially causing neurodevelopmental disorders. Targeting these cells offers a neuroprotective strategy for the developing brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglial activation during development can lead to adverse neurological and psychiatric outcomes.
- A shift from homeostatic to proinflammatory microglial phenotypes negatively impacts brain development and is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of inflammation and immature microglial activation in prematurity-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To discuss the characteristics of pre-microglia during development.
- To explore immunomodulatory strategies and novel nanoparticle-based therapies for regulating microglia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglial activation and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Analysis of rodent models of perinatal brain injury.
- Discussion of immunomodulatory and nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Immature microglial activation is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders linked to prematurity.
- Immunomodulatory strategies show promise in regulating activated microglia.
- Nanoparticle-based therapies targeting microglia offer a potential neuroprotective approach.
Conclusions:
- Targeting proinflammatory microglia is a viable strategy for neuroprotection.
- Understanding pre-microglial biology is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Novel therapeutic interventions, including nanoparticle-based methods, are being explored to protect the developing brain.
