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Unraveling the complexity of microglial responses in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury

Rebecca J Henry1, David J Loane2

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|March 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microglia in the central nervous system (CNS) can be protective after injury but chronic activation contributes to neurodegeneration. Targeting this chronic microglial response may offer new therapies for brain and spinal cord injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • In healthy CNS, microglia maintain homeostasis with an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
  • CNS injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) trigger microglial activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of microglia in TBI and SCI pathophysiology.
  • To discuss evolving knowledge of microglial phenotypes post-injury.
  • To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting chronic microglial activation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microglial roles in CNS injury.
  • Analysis of studies on microglial phenotypic states.
  • Examination of therapeutic interventions in preclinical models.

Main Results:

  • Microglial activation is initially protective but can become chronically detrimental.
  • Chronic microglial activation contributes to neurodegeneration and poor outcomes after TBI and SCI.
  • Distinct microglial phenotypic states exist in the injured CNS.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia have a complex, context-dependent role in CNS injury.
  • Understanding microglial phenotypes is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Targeting chronic microglial activation holds promise for treating TBI and SCI.
Keywords:
Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptorMicrogliaNeuroinflammationSpinal cord injuryTraumatic brain injury

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