Central respiratory command and microglia: An early-life partnership

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, are essential for normal brain development, synaptic regulation, and nervous system homeostasis.
• Microglia play critical roles from prenatal development through maturity, influencing both healthy and diseased central nervous system states.
• Dysfunction in microglia is implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, some of which present with respiratory deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent rodent studies on the role of microglia in the perinatal development and function of central respiratory networks.
• To explore the involvement of microglia in pathologies affecting respiratory control during the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• This review focuses exclusively on findings from rodent models.
• Analysis of recent advances in understanding microglia-brain interactions during the perinatal period.

Main Results:

• Microglia are integral to the establishment and proper functioning of hindbrain neuronal networks that generate respiratory rhythms.
• Evidence suggests microglia influence the development, connectivity, and adaptation of these critical neural circuits.
• Microglial involvement in perinatal pathologies affecting respiratory control is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Microglia are indispensable for the developmental trajectory of the central respiratory command system.
• Understanding microglia's perinatal roles is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders with respiratory complications.