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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
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Noteworthy perspectives on microglia in neuropsychiatric disorders
Hongrui Zhu1, Ao Guan2, Jiayuan Liu3
1Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China. zhuhongrui@mail.ustc.edu.cn.
Journal of Neuroinflammation
|October 4, 2023
Summary
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for neural development and function. This review explores their role in neuropsychiatric disorders and potential therapeutic strategies targeting these versatile cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are versatile immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
- They are involved in immune surveillance, neural development, vascularization, and blood-brain barrier maintenance.
- Microglia play roles in neuronal survival, brain wiring, and synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries on microglial ontogeny, subtypes, and functions.
- To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of microglial involvement in emotional and behavioral disorders.
- To highlight potential microglia-targeted therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific discoveries.
- Synthesis of data on microglial biology and function.
- Analysis of microglial roles in various neuropsychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- Microglial functional profiles vary significantly with age, gender, and disease context.
- Microglia are critically implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia.
- Understanding microglial subtypes and states is key to their diverse functions.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are pivotal in regulating emotions and behaviors.
- Targeting microglia offers promising therapeutic avenues for neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Further research on human microglia is essential for advancing treatments.
