Exploring the Significance of Microglial Phenotypes and Morphological Diversity in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Mechanisms to Potential Therapeutic Targets

Jun 5, 2024Immunological investigations

Different Types and Shapes of Brain Immune Cells in Brain Inflammation and Degeneration: Possible Roles and Treatment Targets

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Abstract

Microglia exhibit substantial phenotypic changes related to neurodegenerative diseases.

Microglia undergo morphological, transcriptional, and functional changes, leading to diverse cell types.
Traditional classifications of microglia as only ramified, M1, or M2 fail to encompass the full spectrum of recently identified phenotypes.
Altered microglial phenotypes that deviate from the typical structure are significant in many neurodegenerative conditions.
The precise roles of different microglial phenotypes are complex and sometimes contradictory.
Recognizing the heterogeneity of microglial phenotypes in disease states may reveal new therapeutic strategies.

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Studying various microglial phenotypes and their functions in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial due to the intricate nature of their phenomics and their vital immunological role. Microglia undergo substantial phenomic changes, encompassing morphological, transcriptional, and functional aspects, resulting in distinct cell types with diverse structures, functions, properties, and implications. The traditional classification of microglia as ramified, M1 (proinflammatory), or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes is overly simplistic, failing to capture the wide range of recently identified microglial phenotypes in various brain regions affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Altered and activated microglial phenotypes deviating from the typical ramified structure are significant features of many neurodegenerative conditions. Understanding the precise role of each microglial phenotype is intricate and sometimes contradictory. This review specifically focuses on elucidating recent modifications in microglial phenotypes within neurodegenerative diseases. Recognizing the heterogeneity of microglial phenotypes in diseased states can unveil novel therapeutic strategies for targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the exploration of the use of healthy isolated microglia to mitigate disease progression has provided an innovative perspective. In conclusion, this review discusses the dynamic landscape of mysterious microglial phenotypes, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Exploring the Significance of Microglial Phenotypes and Morphological Diversity in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Mechanisms to Potential Therapeutic Targets

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