Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system and are important for immune processes. Besides their classical roles in pathological conditions, these cells also dynamically interact with neurons and influence their structure and function in physiological conditions. Recent evidence revealed their role in healthy brain homeostasis, including the regulation of neurogenesis, cell survival, and synapse maturation and elimination, especially in the developing brain. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on microglia in brain development, with a focus on their neuroprotective function. We will also discuss how microglial dysfunction may lead to the impairment of brain function, thereby contributing to disease development.
Highlights
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS)
We have highlighted recent observations regarding the origin and colonized distribution of microglia, alongside the multiple roles played by microglia in physiological brain development
Such indispensable physiological roles of microglia suggest that microglial dysfunction may contribute to neurodevelopmental diseases [75,76]
Summary
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They have long been studied for their roles in pathological conditions because of their rapid response and activation with changes in their morphological and functional characteristics, such as their release of inflammatory cytokines and becoming actively phagocytic [1,2,3]. The interactions between microglia and neurons contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of the CNS and are required for the construction of neural circuits during brain development. Recent studies have revealed that microglia play key roles in these processes of establishing neural circuits in the developing brain.
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