Microglia: Scapegoat, Saboteur, or Something Else?

Overview

Journal Science

Specialty Science

Date 2013 Jan 12

PMID 23307732

Citations 463

Authors

Adriano Aguzzi

Ben A Barres

Mariko L Bennett

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain and spinal cord. These cells provide immune surveillance and are mobilized in response to disparate diseases and injuries. Although microglial activation is often considered neurotoxic, microglia are essential defenders against many neurodegenerative diseases. It also seems increasingly likely that microglial dysfunction can underlie certain neurological diseases without an obvious immune component.

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