Microglia: Picky Brain Eaters

Abstract

Many aspects of brain development, function, and repair depend on the interaction of neurons with brain immune cells, the microglia. By combining CLEM and SPIM microscopy, a recent study has challenged the current view that microglia can ''eat'' entire synapses, highlighting the incredible complexity of neuronal-microglial interactions in vivo.

Trogocytosis between Non-Immune Cells for Cell Clearance, and among Immune-Related Cells for Modulating Immune Responses and Autoimmunity

“…The results may suggest that microglia cells are highly motile cells proposed for synaptic nibbling during neuronal circuit formation. Recently, Villano et al [12] proposed the current view that microglia can nibble the entire synapses and highlighted the complexity of neuronal-microglial interactions in vivo.…”

Microglia and its role in neurodegenerative diseases

“…The markers used in the definition of microglia are especially important in the identification of the cells in histopathological studies. Today, markers are used for the detection of microglia according to their functional forms; however, a single molecular marker that does not label environmental macrophages is not readily available (Schmid et al, 2009;Villani and Peri, 2019). Furthermore, secondary microglial cell lines have become popular for researchers in order to understand their roles in neurodegenerative diseases.…”

“…In addition to the importance of rapid and massive morphological J Cell Neurosci Oxid Stress 2019; 11: 861 -873 change, it has been stated in some literature that the relationship between the ameboid appearance and active phenotype will not always yield correct results as a different approach (Markovic et al, 2009). Rather than the morphological appearance of the cells, the use of molecular markers specific for cell activation status has been argued to provide better results in identifying microglia (Villani and Peri, 2019). Considering the issues to be taken into account in the markers and methods to be used, they should distinguish microglia from other neuronal cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons), monocyte or macrophage structures.…”