Microglia crosstalk with T cells in neurodegenerative diseases: pathogenesis and treatment targets

Immune cells play a central role in driving inflammation and neurodegeneration across various neurological disorders. Central nervous system (CNS)-resident microglia and infiltrating T cells represent the innate and adaptive immune systems, respectively, and have been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases individually. Growing evidence suggests that the encounter between activated microglia and infiltrating T cells amplifies their neurotoxic potential. In this review, we discussed alterations in microglial phenotype and function, and the contributions of different T cell subsets in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glaucoma. We emphasized the crosstalk between microglia and T cells via antigen presentation, chemotactic signals, and pro-inflammatory mediators. We also explored emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating T cell and microglial responses, as well as their interactions, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.