Target microglia, target Alzheimer's?

Microglia are increasingly seen as important players in neurological health, particularly for diseases like depression and Alzheimer's. These immune cells keep brains functioning normally — removing dead cells, excreting protective substances for neurons, and helping with synaptic pruning.

But these cells can go into overdrive, which can lead to an overabundance of synaptic pruning — that is, leading to the body willingly, and excessively, depleting itself of its own neurons. This can lead to neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and, ultimately, a number of cognitive, mood, and behavioral disorders.

Science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa writes that microglia — and neuroinflammation — should be examined as an important target for neurological disease.