Microglia and Beyond: Innate Immune Cells As Regulators of Brain Development and Behavioral Function
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 13 April 2018
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Frontiers Media SA in Frontiers in Immunology
- Vol. 9, 698
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00698
Abstract
Innate immune cells play a well-documented role in the etiology and disease course of many brain-based conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and brain cancers. In contrast, it is only recently becoming clear that innate immune cells, primarily brain resident macrophages called microglia, are also key regulators of brain development. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding microglia in brain development, with particular emphasis on how microglia during development are distinct from microglia later in life. We also summarize the effects of early life perturbations on microglia function in the developing brain, the role that biological sex plays in microglia function, and the potential role that microglia may play in developmental brain disorders. Finally, given how new the field of developmental neuroimmunology is, we highlight what has yet to be learned about how innate immune cells shape the development of brain and behavior.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institute of Mental Health (R21MH105826)
- Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD Young Investigator Award)
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