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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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Microglia in CNS infections: insights from Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens

Maureen N Cowan1, Ish Sethi1, Tajie H Harris1

  • 1Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.

Trends in Parasitology
|January 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for responding to infections and maintaining central nervous system (CNS) health. This review examines how microglia combat protozoan and viral brain infections, highlighting their role in both protection and potential harm.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Immunity
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells residing in the CNS.
  • They play critical roles in maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating inflammatory responses in various neuropathologies.
  • Research has predominantly focused on microglial roles in neurodegeneration, with less emphasis on their function during CNS infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review animal models of CNS infections.
  • To elucidate the role of microglial physiology and inflammatory processes in controlling protozoan and viral brain infections.
  • To discuss how excessive microglial responses can lead to detrimental immunopathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on animal models of CNS infection.
  • Focus on studies investigating microglial responses to protozoan and viral pathogens in the brain.
  • Analysis of mechanisms underlying microglial-mediated immune responses and their consequences.

Main Results:

  • Microglia are central players in the innate immune response to CNS infections.
  • Their physiological state and inflammatory processes significantly influence the control of protozoan and viral pathogens.
  • Overactive microglial responses can result in immunopathology, negatively impacting CNS health.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are essential for combating CNS infections but their responses must be tightly regulated.
  • Understanding microglial roles in infection is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
  • Dysregulated microglial immunity can exacerbate CNS damage during infection.
Keywords:
CNS infectionToxoplasma gondiimicroglianeuroimmunology

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