Microglia as central coordinators of brain-body neuroimmune communication beyond phagocytosis
By
Martine Therrien1,3 Send email to [email protected]
Summary
This scientific review article examines microglia—long-lived brain macrophages—as central hubs in neuroimmune communication. Beyond their traditional phagocytic roles, microglia coordinate bidirectional signaling between the nervous and immune systems through cell-cell interactions and cytokine secretions. The article explores how environmental signals shape microglial functional states, how microglia influence other brain cells (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes) via direct and indirect mechanisms, and how microglia respond to peripheral changes. The authors highlight microglia as key players in systemic neuroimmune communication affecting both brain and peripheral health, while identifying knowledge gaps and emerging tools for future research into neuroimmune circuit mechanisms.
Source
bskyMicroglia as central coordinators of brain-body neuroimmune communication beyond phagocytosiscell.comKey quotes
· 5 pulledBidirectional crosstalk between the immune and nervous systems, via 'neuroimmune circuits', regulates homeostatic and inflammatory responses essential for health.
Microglia, long-lived brain macrophages, act as key hubs integrating immune signals into coordinated brain responses by shifting into distinct functional states in response to local and systemic cues.
We highlight microglia as central players in systemic neuroimmune communication, influencing both brain and peripheral health.
Emerging studies indicate that microglia shape the brain through various cell–cell interactions and cytokine secretions, which can be either protective or detrimental, depending on the context.
Ongoing research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions and their potential clinical applications.
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