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Olfactory Neurons Obtained through Nasal Biopsy Combined with Laser-Capture Microdissection: A Potential Approach to Study Treatment Response in Mental Disorders
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Olfactory Development and Dysfunction: Involvement of Microglia

Sarah J Meller1,2,3, Charles A Greer1,2,3

  • 1Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.

Physiology (Bethesda, Md.)
|November 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, may play a key role in olfactory deficits across various diseases. Their involvement in immune responses could impact olfactory system development and function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Olfactory deficits are common in neurological, neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and viral diseases.
  • Microglia are central to the brain's immune responses and homeostasis.
  • The olfactory system's unique vulnerability and developmental characteristics warrant investigation into microglial roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential involvement of microglia in olfactory development.
  • To investigate the role of microglia in olfactory loss associated with disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microglia, olfactory system development, and disease-related olfactory loss.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which microglial immune responses might affect olfactory neurogenesis and neuronal migration.

Main Results:

  • Microglia-mediated immune responses are a potential shared feature underlying olfactory loss across diverse conditions.
  • Microglial activity during development may significantly influence the olfactory system's vulnerability and plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are implicated in both the development and pathology of the olfactory system.
  • Understanding microglial involvement offers potential therapeutic targets for olfactory dysfunction.
Keywords:
developmentdiseaseimmune systemmicrogliaolfaction

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