Exploiting glial cell functions for neurodegeneration therapy

Glial cells, alongside neurons, are the major cells of the central nervous system. More than just supporting neurons, glial cells are vital in central nervous system homeostasis and actively shape neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. They exhibit dual roles in promoting neuroprotection through glutamate clearance, mitochondrial transfer, extracellular vesicle signaling, and remyelination, yet also contributing to excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and myelin loss. Recent studies emphasize their therapeutic potential, such as enhancing excitatory amino acid transporters, engineering extracellular vesicles, and boosting oligodendrocyte precursor cell function in combating neurodegeneration. This mini review comments on previous articles published in Neuroprotection alongside others, and discusses how enhancing glial protective roles may serve as novel neuroprotective interventions.