[Microglia and macrophages in diseases].

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Brain immune responses

Context:

• The brain's immune privilege historically limited research.
• Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, especially in disease.
• Recent work highlights complex immune roles in and around the brain.

Purpose:

• To introduce microglia and macrophages in the brain's steady state.
• To discuss the roles of these immune cells in neurological diseases.

Summary:

• This review covers microglia and macrophages in normal brain function.
• It examines their involvement in conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
• Understanding these immune cells is crucial for neurological disease research.

Impact:

• Provides foundational knowledge on brain immune cells.
• Informs future research directions for clinical applications in neurological disorders.
• Highlights the complex, dual roles of neuroinflammation in disease states.