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Microglia in depression: an overview of microglia in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression
Haixia Wang1,2, Yi He1,2, Zuoli Sun1,2
1The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China.
Abstract:
Major depressive disorder is a highly debilitating psychiatric disorder involving the dysfunction of different cell types in the brain. Microglia are the predominant resident immune cells in the brain and exhibit a critical role in depression. Recent studies have suggested that depression can be regarded as a microglial disease. Microglia regulate inflammation, synaptic plasticity, and the formation of neural networks, all of which affect depression. In this review, we highlighted the role of microglia in the pathology of depression. First, we described microglial activation in animal models and clinically depressed patients. Second, we emphasized the possible mechanisms by which microglia recognize depression-associated stress and regulate conditions. Third, we described how antidepressants (clinical medicines and natural products) affect microglial activation. Thus, this review aimed to objectively analyze the role of microglia in depression and focus on potential antidepressants. These data suggested that regulation of microglial actions might be a novel therapeutic strategy to counteract the adverse effects of devastating mental disorders.
Insights
Major depressive disorder is linked to brain immune cell dysfunction. Targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells, may offer new therapeutic strategies for depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by brain cell dysfunction.
- Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, play a crucial role in MDD, with recent research suggesting MDD may be a microglial disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of microglia in the pathology of depression.
- To analyze mechanisms of microglial activation in depression and the effects of antidepressants on these cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglial activation in animal models and human patients with depression.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking microglial function to depression-associated stress.
- Examination of how clinical and natural antidepressants impact microglial activation.
Main Results:
- Microglial activation is observed in both animal models and clinically depressed patients.
- Specific mechanisms by which microglia recognize and respond to depression-related stress are discussed.
- Antidepressants, including clinical and natural compounds, influence microglial activation states.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are central players in the pathophysiology of depression, influencing inflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neural network formation.
- Modulating microglial activity presents a promising novel therapeutic avenue for treating major depressive disorder.
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