TGF-β Signaling in Microglia: A Key Regulator of Development, Homeostasis and Reactivity

Overview

Journal Biomedicines

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Nov 27

PMID 39595034

Authors

Lulin Li

Bryan Sun

Odette A Harris

Jian Luo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are crucial for normal brain development and function. They become reactive in response to brain injury and disease, a process known as microglial reactivity. This reactivity, along with microglial homeostasis, is tightly regulated by the local microenvironment and interactions with surrounding cells. The TGF-β signaling pathway plays an essential role in this regulation. Recent genetic studies employing microglia-specific manipulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway have shed light on its significance in microglial development, homeostasis and reactivity. This review provides an updated overview of how TGF-β signaling modulates microglial function and reactivity, contributing to our understanding of microglial biology in health and disease.

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