Multi-actions of Microglia

Abstract

Microglia designate the innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Their morphology is closely related to their function, from the highly ramified resting phenotype in the healthy brain to the amoeboid-like morphology of the activated typical state of pathological conditions. Indeed, microglial cells act as resident macrophages of the brain in order to respond to injury or pathogens. Recent studies have underlined the function of microglia in physiological conditions, especially via the secretion of several cytokines which have an important impact on synaptic plasticity and cognition. We will discuss the origin, the discovery, and the different activation states of microglia. We will also review the current knowledge about the functions of microglia during CNS development, immune surveillance and their implication in neuronal networks and synaptic plasticity in both physiological and pathological conditions. Microglia could represent a genuine potential therapeutic target in the context of neuroimmune diseases.