Publication
Title
Microglia: gatekeepers of central nervous system immunology
Author
Abstract
Microglia are perhaps the most underestimated cell type of our immune system. Not only were immunologists unaware of their capabilities until recently, but also, some neuroscientists denied their actual existence until the late 20th century. Nowadays, their presence is confirmed extensively, as demonstrated by numerous reports describing their involvement in virtually all neuropathologies. However, despite distinct approaches, their origin remains a point of controversy. Although many agree about their myeloid-monocytic ancestry, the precise progenitor cells and the differentiation mechanisms, which give rise to microglia in the different developmental stages of the CNS, are not unraveled yet. Mostly, this can be attributed to their versatile phenotype. Indeed, microglia show a high morphological plasticity, which is related to their functional state. This review about microglia aims to introduce the reader extensively into their ontogeny, cell biology, and involvement in different neuropathologies.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of leukocyte biology. - New York, 1984, currens
Publication
New York : 2009
ISSN
0741-5400 [print]
1938-3673 [online]
DOI
10.1189/JLB.0608385
Volume/pages
85 :3 (2009) , p. 352-370
ISI
000263778100003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.03.2009
Last edited 25.05.2022
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