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Published on: April 13, 2017
Plasticity of microglia
Marcus Augusto-Oliveira1, Gabriela P Arrifano1, Charlotte Isabelle Delage2
1Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil.
Abstract:
Microglial cells are the scions of foetal macrophages which invade the neural tube early during embryogenesis. The nervous tissue environment instigates the phenotypic metamorphosis of foetal macrophages into idiosyncratic surveilling microglia, which are generally characterised by a small cell body and highly ramified motile processes that constantly scan the nervous tissue for signs of changes in homeostasis and allow microglia to perform crucial homeostatic functions. The surveilling microglial phenotype is evolutionarily conserved from early invertebrates to humans. Despite this evolutionary conservation, microglia show substantial heterogeneity in their gene and protein expression, as well as morphological appearance. These differences are age, region and context specific and reflect a high degree of plasticity underlying the life-long adaptation of microglia, supporting the exceptional adaptive capacity of the central nervous system. Microgliocytes are essential elements of cellular network formation and refinement in the developing nervous tissue. Several distinct patrolling modes of microglial processes contribute to the formation, modification, and pruning of synapses; to the support and protection of neurones through microglial-somatic junctions; and to the control of neuronal and axonal excitability by specific microglia-axonal contacts. In pathology, microglia undergo proliferation and reactive remodelling known as microgliosis, which is context dependent, yet represents an evolutionarily conserved defence response. Microgliosis results in the emergence of multiple disease and context-specific reactive states; in addition, neuropathology is associated with the appearance of specific protective or recovery microglial forms. In summary, the plasticity of microglia supports the development and functional activity of healthy nervous tissue and provides highly sophisticated defences against disease.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, originate from fetal macrophages and constantly survey the nervous system. Their plasticity is key to brain development, function, and defense against disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia originate from fetal macrophages and are essential for nervous system development and function.
- They exhibit a conserved surveilling phenotype across species but show significant heterogeneity.
- This plasticity allows lifelong adaptation and supports central nervous system resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the origin, functions, and plasticity of microglial cells.
- To understand the role of microglia in nervous tissue development, homeostasis, and disease.
- To highlight the evolutionary conservation and context-specific adaptations of microglia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglial cell biology.
- Analysis of microglial phenotypes in development and pathology.
- Examination of microglial interactions with neurons and other glial cells.
Main Results:
- Microglia develop from fetal macrophages and adopt a surveilling phenotype crucial for homeostasis.
- They play vital roles in synaptic formation, neuronal support, and axonal guidance.
- Microgliosis, a reactive response, is conserved and context-dependent, with specific forms appearing in neuropathology.
Conclusions:
- Microglial plasticity is fundamental for healthy nervous tissue development and function.
- Microglia provide sophisticated defense mechanisms against neurological diseases.
- Understanding microglial diversity and reactivity is crucial for therapeutic strategies.
