Microglia: Dynamic Mediators of Synapse Development and Plasticity.

Trends Immunol
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Neuronal communication underlies all brain activity and the genesis of complex behavior. Emerging research has revealed an unexpected role for immune molecules in the development and plasticity of neuronal synapses. Moreover microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, express and secrete immune-related signaling molecules that alter synaptic transmission and plasticity in the absence of inflammation. When inflammation does occur, microglia modify synaptic connections and synaptic plasticity required for learning and memory. Here we review recent findings demonstrating how the dynamic interactions between neurons and microglia shape the circuitry of the nervous system in the healthy brain and how altered neuron-microglia signaling could contribute to disease.

Year of Publication
2015
Journal
Trends Immunol
Volume
36
Issue
10
Pages
605-13
Date Published
2015 Oct
ISSN
1471-4981
DOI
10.1016/j.it.2015.08.008
PubMed ID
26431938
PubMed Central ID
PMC4841266
Links
Grant list
R01 NS071008 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01 NS084298 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States