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Tuning neural circuits and behaviors by microglia in the adult brain

Shunyi Zhao1, Anthony D Umpierre2, Long-Jun Wu3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA.

Trends in Neurosciences
|January 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Homeostatic microglia regulate neuronal activity and behavior through direct synaptic interactions. Modulating these immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) impacts neural circuits and leads to varied behavioral outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • They play roles in both inflammation and repair in neurological disorders.
  • Emerging evidence shows homeostatic microglia regulate neuronal activity, synaptic function, and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how microglia sense and regulate neuronal activity via synaptic interactions.
  • To discuss the direct engagement of microglia with neural networks and behaviors.
  • To explore the impact of modulating microglia on neural circuits and behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on microglia-neuron interactions.
  • Discussion of optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques used to modulate microglial activity in adult neural circuits.
  • Analysis of studies examining behavioral consequences of microglial manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Microglia directly interact with synapses, influencing neuronal activity.
  • Modulation of microglia in different CNS regions results in diverse behavioral changes.
  • Spatial heterogeneity in microglia-neuron interactions is proposed as a key factor.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are integral components of neural circuits, actively regulating neuronal function and behavior.
  • Targeting microglia offers potential for understanding and treating neurological disorders.
  • Further research into the spatial dynamics of microglia-neuron interactions is crucial.
Keywords:
chemogeneticsmicroglial heterogeneityneurogenesisneuroimmune interactionoptogeneticssynaptic plasticity

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