Microglia Function in the Central Nervous System During Health and Neurodegeneration

Microglia are resident cells of the brain that regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair. Microglia serve as brain macrophages but are distinct from other tissue macrophages owing to their unique homeostatic phenotype and tight regulation by the central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment. They are responsible for the elimination of microbes, dead cells, redundant synapses, protein aggregates, and other particulate and soluble antigens that may endanger the CNS. Furthermore, as the primary source of proinflammatory cytokines, microglia are pivotal mediators of neuroinflammation and can induce or modulate a broad spectrum of cellular responses. Alterations in microglia…

• AA
  ALS Association

  Award: ALSA2087
• MS
  Multiple Sclerosis Society
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01NS088137, RF1 AG051485
• NI
  National Institute on Aging

  Awards: R01AG051812, RF1 AG051485
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Award: R01NS088137