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Published on: April 13, 2017
Calcium signaling in microglial immune functions: current understanding and implications for disease
Alex R Lifton1, Kaitlyn E DeMeulenaere1, Murali Prakriya1
1Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60607, United States.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling is crucial for microglial cell functions, controlling immune responses and brain health. Dysregulation of this Ca2+ toolkit contributes to chronic neuroinflammation and brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are brain's immune cells, vital for surveillance and response.
- Intracellular Ca2+ signaling regulates microglial functions and activation states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the microglial Ca2+ signaling toolkit.
- To discuss Ca2+ signaling's role in microglial function and neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microglial Ca2+ signaling pathways.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms and physiological functions.
Main Results:
- Identified key Ca2+ channels (P2X, P2Y, Orai, TRP) and intracellular systems.
- Ca2+ signals regulate motility, cytokine release, phagocytosis, metabolism, and cell communication.
Conclusions:
- Microglial Ca2+ toolkit is essential for normal brain function.
- Dysregulated Ca2+ signaling drives chronic neuroinflammation in brain diseases.
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