The Role of Microglia as the Protector of Brain

Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central neuron system (CNS), which are highly similar to peripheral macrophages. They are known as the protector of brain,responding to both internal and external threats to the entire body. They travel throughout the brain participating in surveillance, stimulation, cleanup, and maintenance tasks while communicating with all other cells.

Microglia are not attached to any structures and they can travel independently in the brain. They repeatedly circle a territory with theirextended “arms” tapping all axons, dendrites and synapses to detect any suboptimal functioning caused by internal or external factors. Their constant surveillance can protect brain from any microbe invaders, demyelination, trauma and cancerous or defective cells.

They can send complex wireless signals to decide how many brains cells are needed and when to eliminate a synapse by eating the defective or unused ones. They determine the rate of production of new cells and the rate of total brain growth in the fetus, controlling the number by eating excessive stem cells. Human microglia has one very specific gene that sends signal to suppress inflammatory reactions in the brain.

They do so much more than just immune surveillance. They also help establish neuronal networks in the fetus and are actively involved in pruning neurons that are established and nourished by astrocytes in the adult. They produce signals that nourish and stimulate neuronal growth and axon migration.

Where do Microglia come from?

Studies show that they come from fetus. They arise from mesodermal tissue in the yolk sac on day 9 in humans and then travel through the blood to the brain and stay here. Surprisingly, some microglia are also found originated from bone marrow, where macrophages originate from. If a large number of microglia are eliminated in a battle with microbes, then macrophagesfrom outside the brain will take over their role.

What is the shape of Microglia?

Microglia are universally existing in the brain. They will morph into different type of cells for different functions. All those make their shape difficult to study. Researcher have spent years to find that a wide variety of different shaped cells in the brain were actually the same type of cell.

They can be found near any inflammation, trauma, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Under normal circumstances they are present throughout the brain. When attacking on microbes they will become a big round blob as a macrophage. They are so sensitive that the slightest injury to a nerve can make them become active with prompt shape changes.

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