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Published on: April 13, 2017
The emerging role of microglia in the development and therapy of multiple sclerosis
Yunrong Nan1, Shuting Ni2, Mei Liu3
1School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Innovation Center of TCM Health Service, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Industrial Development Center of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are innate immune cells that maintain homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and affect various neurodegenerative diseases, especially multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS characterized by persistent inflammation, diffuse axonal damage, and microglia activation. Recent studies have shown that microglia are extremely related to the pathological state of MS and play an important role in the development of MS. This article reviews the multiple roles of microglia in the progression of MS, including the regulatory role of microglia in inflammation, remyelination, oxidative stress, the influence of phagocytosis and antigen-presenting capacity of microglia, and the recent progress by using microglia as a target for MS therapy. Microglia modulation may be a potential way for better MS therapy.
Insights
Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, play a critical role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development and progression. Targeting microglia offers a promising therapeutic strategy for managing this autoimmune CNS disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders
Background:
- Microglia are innate immune cells crucial for maintaining CNS homeostasis.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune CNS disease marked by inflammation, axonal damage, and microglia activation.
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of microglia in MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression.
- To explore microglia's influence on inflammation, remyelination, and oxidative stress in MS.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting microglia for MS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microglia in MS.
- Analysis of microglia's functions including phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting microglia in MS.
Main Results:
- Microglia significantly regulate inflammation and oxidative stress in MS.
- Microglia's phagocytic and antigen-presenting functions impact MS pathology.
- Modulating microglia activity shows potential for MS therapy.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are key players in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis.
- Targeting microglia-mediated processes presents a viable therapeutic avenue for MS.
- Further research into microglia modulation could lead to improved MS treatments.
