PreprintCited by 446Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration MechanismsNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsMultiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Origin of microglia: current concepts and past controversies

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Ginhoux, Florent, Prinz, Marco·2015·Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

Abstract

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), which sit in close proximity to neural structures and are intimately involved in brain homeostasis. The microglial population also plays fundamental roles during neuronal expansion and differentiation, as well as in the perinatal establishment of synaptic circuits. Any change in the normal brain environment results in microglial activation, which can be detrimental if not appropriately regulated. Aberrant microglial function has been linked to the development of several neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, microglia also possess potent immunoregulatory and regenerative capacities, making them attractive targets for therapeutic manipulation. Such rationale manipulations will, however, require in-depth knowledge of their origins and the molecular mechanisms underlying their homeostasis. Here, we discuss the latest advances in our understanding of the origin, differentiation, and homeostasis of microglial cells and their myelomonocytic relatives in the CNS.

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Crossref · 10.1101/cshperspect.a020537

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  • In mice, microglia undergo a step-wise maturation program synchronized with brain developmental phases.

    “In mice, microglia undergo a step-wise program of maturation that is synchronized with the developmental phases of the brain [13, 14]”
  • Microglia are the resident mononuclear phagocytes of the CNS and play key roles in immune surveillance and defense, synaptic remodeling, and homeostasis.

    “Microglia, the resident mononuclear phagocytes of the CNS, play key roles in immune surveillance and defense [39], synaptic remodeling [40], and homeostasis [41].”

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. del Rı ´o-Hortega P. 1932. Microglia. In Cytology and cellular pathology of the nervous system (ed. Penfield W), Vol. 2, pp. 483-534.

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Authors
Ginhoux, F., & Prinz, M.
Affiliations
  • Agency for Science, Technology and Research (SG)
  • University of Freiburg (DE)
Venue
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
Published
2015-07-01
Volume
7
Issue
8
Pages
a020537
ISSN
1943-0264 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2100533805
Cited by
446
References
128
Citations by year
2026: 28 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 56 · 2023: 41 · 2022: 54 · 2021: 48 · 2020: 59 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1
Type
posted content
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • FreiDok plus (Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 992, FOR1336)
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
  • Fritz Thyssen Stiftung
  • Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
Keywords
microglia, microglial origin, microglial differentiation, microglial homeostasis, myelomonocytic cells, microglial activation, neuroinflammation, immune regulation, nerve regeneration, brain development
MeSH terms
Animals, Homeostasis, Humans, Biomarkers, Microglia

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