Microglia in steady state
Katrin Kierdorf, Marco Prinz
Katrin Kierdorf, Marco Prinz
Published September 1, 2017; First published July 17, 2017
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2017;127(9):3201-3209. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI90602.
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Category: Review Series

Microglia in steady state

Abstract

Microglial cells are the resident tissue macrophages of the CNS and are widely recognized for their immune surveillance of the healthy CNS. In addition to this well-accepted function, recent findings point to major roles for microglia in instructing and regulating the proper function of the neuronal networks in the adult CNS, but these cells are also involved in creating neuronal networks by orchestrating construction of the whole network during development. In this Review, we highlight recent findings about the steady-state functions of microglial cells, the factors that are important for physiological microglial function, and how microglia help to maintain tissue homeostasis in the CNS.

Authors

Katrin Kierdorf, Marco Prinz

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Figure 1

Homeostatic function of microglia in the developing and adult CNS.

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Homeostatic function of microglia in the developing and adult CNS. In ad...
In addition to their function as a resident immune cell in the CNS parenchyma, microglia display a variety of other functions to maintain tissue homeostasis. Microglia modulate wiring and patterning in the developing CNS by regulating apoptosis of neuronal subpopulations, releasing neurotrophic factors, and guiding sprouting vessels in the parenchyma. They also are important for circuit formation and maturation of neuronal networks, and for regulating adult neurogenesis and maintaining neuronal health in the adult CNS.