[PDF][PDF] Sublime microglia: expanding roles for the guardians of the CNS

MW Salter, S Beggs - Cell, 2014 - cell.com
Cell, 2014cell.com
Recent findings challenge the concept that microglia solely function in disease states in the
central nervous system (CNS). Rather than simply reacting to CNS injury, infection, or
pathology, emerging lines of evidence indicate that microglia sculpt the structure of the CNS,
refine neuronal circuitry and network connectivity, and contribute to plasticity. These
physiological functions of microglia in the normal CNS begin during development and
persist into maturity. Here, we develop a conceptual framework for functions of microglia …
Recent findings challenge the concept that microglia solely function in disease states in the central nervous system (CNS). Rather than simply reacting to CNS injury, infection, or pathology, emerging lines of evidence indicate that microglia sculpt the structure of the CNS, refine neuronal circuitry and network connectivity, and contribute to plasticity. These physiological functions of microglia in the normal CNS begin during development and persist into maturity. Here, we develop a conceptual framework for functions of microglia beyond neuroinflammation and discuss the rich repertoire of signaling and communication motifs in microglia that are critical both in pathology and for the normal physiology of the CNS.
cell.com