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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Induced Microglia-Like Cell Technology to Shed Light on the Role of Microglial Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Published on: September 6, 2024
The emerging tale of microglia in psychiatric disorders
Reza Rahimian1, Marina Wakid2, Liam Anuj O'Leary2
1McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada.
Abstract:
As the professional phagocytes of the brain, microglia orchestrate the immunological response and play an increasingly important role in maintaining homeostatic brain functions. Microglia are activated by pathological events or slight alterations in brain homeostasis. This activation is dependent on the context and type of stressor or pathology. Through secretion of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, microglia can strongly influence the response to a stressor and can, therefore, determine the pathological outcome. Psychopathologies have repeatedly been associated with long-lasting priming and sensitization of cerebral microglia. This review focuses on the diversity of microglial phenotype and function in health and psychiatric disease. We first discuss the diverse homeostatic functions performed by microglia and then elaborate on context-specific spatial and temporal microglial heterogeneity. Subsequently, we summarize microglia involvement in psychopathologies, namely major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a particular focus on post-mortem studies. Finally, we postulate microglia as a promising novel therapeutic target in psychiatry through antidepressant and antipsychotic treatment.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, show diverse functions in health and psychiatric disorders. Their unique phenotypes and roles suggest they are a promising therapeutic target for mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells in the brain, crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
- Microglial activation is context-dependent, influenced by pathology and stress.
- Dysfunctional microglia are implicated in various psychopathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglial diversity in health and psychiatric disease.
- To explore microglial heterogeneity in different contexts.
- To highlight microglia as a potential therapeutic target in psychiatry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microglial function and phenotype.
- Analysis of microglial involvement in major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
- Emphasis on post-mortem studies in psychiatric research.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit diverse phenotypes and functions in both healthy and diseased brains.
- Context-specific spatial and temporal heterogeneity in microglial responses is observed.
- Evidence links microglial alterations to major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a critical role in brain immunity and homeostasis.
- Microglial heterogeneity is key to understanding their function in psychiatric disorders.
- Targeting microglia offers a novel therapeutic avenue for psychiatric conditions.
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