concept

microglia

Also known as: microglial cells, microglia cells

Facts (10)

Sources

A Double-Edged Sword: Inflammation and Your Health - Cedars-Sinai cedars-sinai.org Cedars-Sinai Feb 12, 2021 4 facts

claimIn the brain, the accumulation of toxic proteins transforms protective microglia into disease-associated cells that secrete high levels of inflammatory proteins, exacerbating neurodegenerative processes.

quoteMaya Koronyo, PhD, stated: "Instead of protecting healthy brain cells, these disease-associated microglia begin pumping out high levels of inflammatory proteins that exacerbate neurodegenerative processes. That’s why tackling neuroinflammation early in the disease process is key to fighting the disease."

claimMicroglia cells in the brain react when the brain is confronted with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or infections like COVID-19 that introduce inflammatory proteins into the blood.

claimThe blood-brain barrier acts as a physical barricade to prevent toxins from accessing healthy brain tissue, while microglia cells travel through the brain to monitor for danger.

Integrating allostasis and emerging technologies to study complex ... nature.com Nature Nov 5, 2025 2 facts

claimStress in the central nervous system activates microglia, which leads to the secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), which subsequently activates macrophages and sustains inflammatory responses.

claimChronic unpredictable stress elevates serum corticosterone and serum IL-6 levels, while simultaneously causing microglia activation and a decrease in TGF-β.

3. The Innate Immune System - Immunopaedia immunopaedia.org.za Immunopaedia 1 fact

claimTissue macrophages have specific names based on location: Kupffer cells (liver), histiocytes (connective tissues), mesangial cells (kidneys), osteoclasts and chondroclasts (bones and cartilage), alveolar macrophages (lungs), and microglial cells (brain).

[PDF] A Low Dose of Electro-Psychedelic Treatment Increases Neuronal ... oasis.library.unlv.edu Aquino Vasquez · University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1 fact

claimActivation of microglia has been implicated in the symptomology and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders.

Cellular rejuvenation: molecular mechanisms and potential ... - Nature nature.com Nature Mar 14, 2023 1 fact

claimThe first-generation senolytic drug ABT263 clears senescent astrocytes and microglia, modulates tau aggregation, and inhibits tau-associated cognitive decline.

Cellular senescence: from homeostasis to pathological implications ... frontiersin.org Frontiers 1 fact

referenceMcNamara N.B. et al. published 'Microglia regulate central nervous system myelin growth and integrity' in Nature in 2023, detailing the role of microglia in CNS myelin maintenance.