Roles in Innate Immunity

Aug 29, 2024Advances in neurobiology

Functions of the Body’s Natural Defense System

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Abstract

Microglia play key roles in the initiation, propagation, and resolution of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS).

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS, functioning as phagocytes.
They interact with peripheral immune cells and other CNS cells, influencing neuroprotection and tissue damage.
Microglia use various mechanisms, including pattern recognition receptors and inflammatory signaling, to regulate immune responses.
The balance of microglial activity can modulate the exacerbation or resolution of immune-mediated diseases.

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Microglia are best known as the resident phagocytes of the central nervous system (CNS). As a resident brain immune cell population, microglia play key roles during the initiation, propagation, and resolution of inflammation. The discovery of resident adaptive immune cells in the CNS has unveiled a relationship between microglia and adaptive immune cells for CNS immune-surveillance during health and disease. The interaction of microglia with elements of the peripheral immune system and other CNS resident cells mediates a fine balance between neuroprotection and tissue damage. In this chapter, we highlight the innate immune properties of microglia, with a focus on how pattern recognition receptors, inflammatory signaling cascades, phagocytosis, and the interaction between microglia and adaptive immune cells regulate events that initiate an inflammatory or neuroprotective response within the CNS that modulates immune-mediated disease exacerbation or resolution.

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Roles in Innate Immunity

Abstract

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