Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
09:12

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

The critical role of microglia in the stress response

Ke Chen1, Zong-Yuan Xuan1, Bao-Yi Sun1

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|July 31, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are key players in stress responses and related disorders. Targeting microglia offers new therapeutic avenues for stress-related brain conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • They are crucial for brain homeostasis, synaptic pruning, and cognitive functions like learning and memory.
  • Microglial activation is a hallmark of the systemic stress response, involving morphological and functional changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the role of microglia in stress processing.
  • To elucidate their involvement in the pathogenesis of stress-related disorders such as PTSD, MDD, AD, and PD.
  • To summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglia.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic synthesis of preclinical and clinical evidence.
  • Review of studies on microglial activation in response to stress.
  • Analysis of microglial mechanisms in stress-related neuropathologies.

Main Results:

  • Microglia are integral mediators of the integrated stress response.
  • Their dysregulation contributes to the development of major stress-related disorders.
  • Evidence highlights their multifaceted roles in brain adaptation and pathology.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial research is vital for understanding stress adaptation and brain diseases.
  • Targeting microglia presents promising therapeutic potential for stress-related conditions.
  • Further investigation into microglial functions can advance treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseMajor depressive disorderMicrogliaParkinson’s diseasePost-traumatic stress disorderStress

More Related Videos

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation10:21

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Role of Amygdala in Memory01:16

Role of Amygdala in Memory

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure responsible for processing and storing memories, particularly those linked to emotions like fear and stress. It plays an essential role in the brain's response to emotionally significant events and often enhances memory formation by triggering stress hormone release. The amygdala is vital for encoding and retrieving memories associated with fear or stress, a process that is adaptive by helping organisms avoid dangerous situations.
One of the...
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria01:30

Other Stress Responses in Bacteria

Bacteria have global regulatory systems that control several types of stress mechanisms. These include Pho regulon and the heat shock response, which are essential systems for environmental adaptation, such as nutrient limitation and proteotoxic stress. The Pho regulon and the heat shock response exemplify bacterial resilience, enabling rapid adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions.Pho RegulonBacteria require phosphorus for essential cellular processes, including nucleic acid...