Microglia in diseases of the central nervous system

Peter T. Nelson, Lorinda A. Soma, Ehud Lavi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

215 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microglia (MG) are enigmatic cells of the central nervous system (CNS). MG are morphologically, antigenically and functionally flexible, and have the potential for mobility and proliferation. MG are professional antigen-presenting cells and constitute part of the local CNS innate immune system, communicating with other immune cells via chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. MG contain several antigenic and functional markers similar to macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), but also present several differences from DCs. The exact role(s) played by MG in the normal human CNS is the topic of lively debate. MG participate in many reactive processes in the CNS and are therefore an integral part of lesions in a variety of pathologic conditions. It is thought that MG may exacerbate diverse neurological conditions, including viral encephalitis, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease. A recurrent theme is the perpetuation by MG of pathological cycles of monocyte recruitment, activation and cytopathic secretions, and/or auto antigen presentation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)491-500
Number of pages10
JournalAnnals of Medicine
Volume34
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • AIDS
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Dendritic cells
  • Encephalitis
  • HIV
  • Microglia
  • Monocytes
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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