New insight on microglia activation in neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutics
Yucong Xu1,2, Wei Gao1,2, Yingnan Sun1
1Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS) closely linked to brain health and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In response to changes in the surrounding environment, microglia activate and change their state and function. Several factors, example for circadian rhythm disruption and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, influence microglia activation. In this review, we explore microglia's function and the associated neural mechanisms. We elucidate that circadian rhythms are essential factors influencing microglia activation and function. Circadian rhythm disruption affects microglia activation and, consequently, neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we found that abnormal microglia activation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases and an essential factor of disease development. Here we highlight the importance of microglia activation in neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting microglia for neurodegenerative disease treatment is a promising direction. We introduce the progress of methods targeting microglia for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the progress of drugs developed with microglia as targets, hoping to provide new ideas for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for neural health. Their activation, influenced by circadian rhythms and neurodegeneration, offers new therapeutic targets for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) immune cells vital for brain health.
- Microglia activation and functional states are modulated by environmental cues and disease states.
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are linked to altered microglia function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglia function and associated neural mechanisms.
- To elucidate the role of circadian rhythms in microglia activation.
- To highlight microglia as therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microglia activation, circadian rhythms, and neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of neural mechanisms underlying microglia responses.
- Summary of current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglia.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms are identified as critical regulators of microglia activation and function.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms exacerbates microglia activation, impacting neurodegenerative disease progression.
- Abnormal microglia activation is a common hallmark and driver of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting microglia represents a promising therapeutic avenue for treating CNS disorders.
- Advancements in drug development targeting microglia offer new strategies for neurodegenerative disease management.
