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Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: In Vitro Co-Culture Model for Studying Microglia-Neuronal Interactions in Disease Conditions
Published on: July 26, 2024
A role for microglia in mediating the microbiota-gut-brain axis
Lily Keane1,2, Gerard Clarke3,4, John F Cryan3,5
1APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. lilykeane@ucc.ie.
Abstract:
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are now recognized as being active participants in the onset and progression of many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. As a result, substantial effort has been made in finding ways to target, deplete or modulate the aberrant phenotypes of the microglia that are present in these different disease states, albeit with varied levels of success. The gut microbiota has recently emerged as a master regulator of microglia throughout the lifespan; here, we propose that this microbiota-microglia cross-talk may have major implications for our understanding of neurological disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases. We focus on the latest advances in understanding gut-microglia communication in the context of microglial heterogeneity and microglia-related functions, as well as considering the evidence for effects of these pathways on diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. We also address the challenges, opportunities and clinical implications of this emerging area of research.
Insights
The gut microbiota influences brain immune cells called microglia, impacting neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding this gut-brain axis offers new therapeutic targets for brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Microglia are key brain immune cells implicated in neurological disorders.
- Targeting microglia has shown limited success in treating brain diseases.
- The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a regulator of microglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of gut-microglia communication in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- To review the latest research on gut-brain axis in the context of microglial function and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on gut microbiota and microglia.
- Analysis of microglial heterogeneity and functions.
- Examination of evidence linking gut-microglia pathways to central nervous system disorders.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota significantly modulates microglia activity throughout life.
- Microbiota-microglia interactions are crucial in the pathogenesis of various brain disorders.
- Evidence suggests these pathways influence neuroinflammation and disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Gut-microglia cross-talk represents a significant paradigm shift in understanding brain diseases.
- This axis presents novel therapeutic opportunities for neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and clinical implications.
