Cited by 1,525Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration MechanismsNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Microglia Biology: One Century of Evolving Concepts

Open access
Prinz, Marco, Jung, Steffen, Priller, Josef·2019·Cell

Abstract

Microglia were first recognized as a distinct cell population in the CNS one century ago. For a long time, they were primarily considered to be phagocytes responsible for removing debris during CNS development and disease. More recently, advances in imaging and genetics and the advent of single-cell technologies provided new insights into the much more complex and fascinating biology of microglia. The ontogeny of microglia was identified, and their functions in health and disease were better defined. Although many questions about microglia and their roles in human diseases remain unanswered, the prospect of targeting microglia for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders is tantalizing.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.053

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197 of 197 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Microglia are the main phagocytes in the central nervous system.

    “Microglia are the main phagocytes in the central nervous system (Prinz, Jung, and Priller 2019).”

    From Changes of the Primary Cilia in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis (2025) · cites this paper as Prinz, Jung, and Priller 2019

  • Microglia are intricately involved in the development of the neuronal architecture of the embryonic brain by phagocytosing excess or apoptotic neuronal progenitor cells, while supporting the survival, proliferation, migration, and maturation of other NPCs and neurons.

    “Microglia are intricately involved in the development of the neuronal architecture of the embryonic brain by phagocytosing excess or apoptotic neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs), while supporting the survival, proliferation, migration, and maturation of other NPCs and neurons ( Figure 1 Top) (13, 24).”
  • Microglial cells originate in the yolk sac and migrate to the developing brain at approximately the same time as neurons develop and before other glia appear.

    “Microglial cells originate in the yolk sac and migrate to the developing brain at approximately the same time as the development of neurons is taking place, and before the appearance of other types of glia (13, 24).”
  • During embryonic development, microglia display amoeboid morphology, have high proliferation rates, and are actively engaged in phagocytosis.

    “During embryonic development, microglia display amoeboid morphology, have high proliferation rates, and are actively engaged in phagocytosis (24).”
  • Microglial cells perform a wide variety of functions, which demands a high degree of plasticity and adaptability.

    “Microglial cells perform a wide variety of functions, which demands a high degree of plasticity and adaptability ( Figure 1 ) (13, 24, 25).”

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Authors
Prinz, M., Jung, S., & Priller, J.
Affiliations
  • University of Freiburg (DE)
  • Weizmann Institute of Science (IL)
  • UK Dementia Research Institute (GB)
Corresponding author
  • Prinz, Marco
  • Jung, Steffen
  • Priller, Josef
Venue
Cell
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2019-10
Volume
179
Issue
2
Pages
292-311
ISSN
0092-8674 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2978969137
Cited by
1,525
References
197
Citations by year
2026: 220 · 2025: 269 · 2024: 278 · 2023: 244 · 2022: 223 · 2021: 192 · 2020: 92 · 2019: 3 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
13.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cell (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DZNE Pub (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Sobek Foundation
  • Ernst Jung Foundation
  • German Research Foundation (SFB 992, SFB1160, Reinhart Koselleck grant, Ministry of Science, Research and Arts, Baden-Wuerttemberg)
  • BMBF (AERIAL)
  • Excellence Strategy (390939984)
  • Israeli Science Foundation (887/11)
  • European Research Council (Adv ERC 340345)
  • International Progressive MS Alliance
  • BIH
  • DZNE
  • UK DRI (Momentum Award)
  • DFG (SFB/TRR167)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
microglia, microglial phagocytosis, microglia-targeted therapy
MeSH terms
Animals, Homeostasis, Humans, Microglia, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurogenesis, Transcriptome

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