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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Microglial Phenotypic Transition: Signaling Pathways and Influencing Modulators Involved in Regulation in Central
Jiaxin Li1,2, Xinyu Shui1,2, Ruizheng Sun2
1Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are macrophages that reside in the central nervous system (CNS) and belong to the innate immune system. Moreover, they are crucially involved in CNS development, maturation, and aging; further, they are closely associated with neurons. In normal conditions, microglia remain in a static state. Upon trauma or lesion occurrence, microglia can be activated and subsequently polarized into the pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotype. The phenotypic transition is regulated by numerous modulators. This review focus on the literature regarding the modulators and signaling pathways involved in regulating the microglial phenotypic transition, which are rarely mentioned in other reviews. Hence, this review provides molecular insights into the microglial phenotypic transition, which could be a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammation.
Insights
Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), can shift between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states. This review details the molecular regulators of microglial phenotypic transition, offering potential therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS).
- They play vital roles in CNS development, maturation, aging, and neuronal interaction.
- Under pathological conditions, microglia transition from a resting state to activated phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the modulators and signaling pathways governing microglial phenotypic transition.
- To provide molecular insights into this transition, highlighting its therapeutic potential for neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on modulators and signaling pathways of microglial phenotypic transition.
- Synthesis of existing research on microglial activation and polarization.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous modulators and signaling pathways regulating microglial phenotypic transition.
- Highlighted the dynamic nature of microglia in response to CNS insults.
Conclusions:
- Microglial phenotypic transition is a complex process regulated by specific molecular factors.
- Understanding these regulators offers potential therapeutic strategies for treating neuroinflammatory conditions.
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