Data di Pubblicazione:
2018
Citazione:
How to reprogram microglia toward beneficial functions / M. Fumagalli, M. Lombardi, P. Gressens, C. Verderio. - In: GLIA. - ISSN 1098-1136. - 66:12(2018 Dec), pp. 2531-2549. [10.1002/glia.23484]
Abstract:
Microglia, brain cells of nonneural origin, orchestrate the inflammatory response to diverse
insults, including hypoxia/ischemia or maternal/fetal infection in the perinatal brain. Experimental
studies have demonstrated the capacity of microglia to recognize pathogens or damaged cells
activating a cytotoxic response that can exacerbate brain damage. However, microglia display
an enormous plasticity in their responses to injury and may also promote resolution stages of
inflammation and tissue regeneration. Despite the critical role of microglia in brain pathologies,
the cellular mechanisms that govern the diverse phenotypes of microglia are just beginning to
be defined. Here we review emerging strategies to drive microglia toward beneficial functions,
selectively reporting the studies which provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying
the phenotypic switch. A variety of approaches have been proposed which rely on microglia
treatment with pharmacological agents, cytokines, lipid messengers, or microRNAs, as well on
nutritional approaches or therapies with immunomodulatory cells. Analysis of the molecular
mechanisms relevant for microglia reprogramming toward pro-regenerative functions points to
a central role of energy metabolism in shaping microglial functions. Manipulation of metabolic
pathways may thus provide new therapeutic opportunities to prevent the deleterious effects of
inflammatory microglia and to control excessive inflammation in brain disorders.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
beneficial phenotype, metabolism, microglia, miRNA, re-program
Elenco autori:
M. Fumagalli, M. Lombardi, P. Gressens, C. Verderio
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