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Published on: April 13, 2017
Emerging non-proinflammatory roles of microglia in healthy and diseased brains
Yinying Sun1, Ji Che1, Jun Zhang2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032 Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Microglia, the resident myeloid cells of the central nervous system, are the first line of defense against foreign pathogens, thereby confining the extent of brain injury. However, the role of microglia is not limited to macrophage-like functions. In addition to proinflammatory response mediation, microglia are involved in neurodevelopmental remodeling and homeostatic maintenance in the absence of disease. An increasing number of studies have also elucidated microglia-mediated regulation of tumor growth and neural repair in diseased brains. Here, we review the non-proinflammatory roles of microglia, with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of the functions of microglia in healthy and diseased brains and contributing to the development of novel therapeutics that target microglia in neurological disorders.
Insights
Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, performing vital roles beyond inflammation. This review explores their non-inflammatory functions in brain health and disease for therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system.
- Traditionally recognized for their role in inflammation and defense against pathogens.
- Emerging evidence highlights diverse functions beyond immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the non-proinflammatory roles of microglia.
- To deepen the understanding of microglial functions in both healthy and diseased brains.
- To inform the development of novel therapeutics targeting microglia in neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microglia.
- Analysis of research focusing on non-inflammatory microglial functions.
- Synthesis of findings related to neurodevelopment, homeostasis, tumor regulation, and neural repair.
Main Results:
- Microglia are crucial for neurodevelopmental remodeling and maintaining brain homeostasis.
- They play significant roles in regulating tumor growth within the brain.
- Microglia are involved in neural repair processes in diseased conditions.
- Their functions extend beyond acute inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Microglia possess multifaceted roles in the central nervous system, encompassing non-inflammatory functions.
- Understanding these diverse roles is critical for advancing treatments for neurological disorders.
- Targeting specific microglial functions offers potential therapeutic strategies.
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