Microglial Dynamics and Role in the Healthy and Diseased Brain

作者：Diego Gómez‐Nicola, V. Hugh Perry · 发表于：The Neuroscientist · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1177/1073858414530512 · 被引用次数：349 · 研究领域：Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms、Immune cells in cancer、Neurological Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

The study of the dynamics and functions of microglia in the healthy and diseased brain is a matter of intense scientific activity. The application of new techniques and new experimental approaches has allowed the identification of novel microglial functions and the redefinition of classic ones. In this review, we propose the study of microglial functions, rather than their molecular profiles, to better understand and define the roles of these cells in the brain. We review current knowledge on the role of surveillant microglia, proliferating microglia, pruning/neuromodulatory microglia, phagocytic microglia, and inflammatory microglia and the molecular profiles that are associated with these functions. In the remodeling scenario of microglial biology, the analysis of microglial functional states will inform about the roles in health and disease and will guide us to a more precise understanding of the multifaceted roles of this never-resting cells.