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Role of microglia in brain development after viral infection
Pei Xu1, Yongjia Yu2, Ping Wu1
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
Abstract:
Microglia are immune cells in the brain that originate from the yolk sac and enter the developing brain before birth. They play critical roles in brain development by supporting neural precursor proliferation, synaptic pruning, and circuit formation. However, microglia are also vulnerable to environmental factors, such as infection and stress that may alter their phenotype and function. Viral infection activates microglia to produce inflammatory cytokines and anti-viral responses that protect the brain from damage. However, excessive or prolonged microglial activation impairs brain development and leads to long-term consequences such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Moreover, certain viruses may attack microglia and deploy them as "Trojan horses" to infiltrate the brain. In this brief review, we describe the function of microglia during brain development and examine their roles after infection through microglia-neural crosstalk. We also identify limitations for current studies and highlight future investigated questions.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are vital for development but can be harmed by infections. Dysfunctional microglia are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia are essential brain immune cells originating from the yolk sac, crucial for neurodevelopment.
- They support neural precursor proliferation, synaptic pruning, and circuit formation.
- Microglia are susceptible to environmental factors like infections and stress, which can alter their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglial functions during brain development.
- To examine microglial roles post-infection via microglia-neural crosstalk.
- To identify current research limitations and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microglial function in brain development and infection.
- Analysis of microglia-neural interactions.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in microglial research.
Main Results:
- Microglia are critical for normal brain development.
- Viral infections activate microglia, but prolonged activation can impair development.
- Viruses can exploit microglia to enter the brain, acting as "Trojan horses".
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a dual role in brain development and response to infection.
- Altered microglial function due to infection is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research is needed to understand microglia-neural crosstalk and its implications.
