Origin of microglia: Current concepts and past controversies

01.07.2015

Ginhoux F, Prinz M

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2015;7(8):a020537.

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol.            online article

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. 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.