PLCG2-P522R, a genetic variant that protects against Alzheimer's disease, enhances key functions of immune cells. Read More
Study identifies a specific type of immune cell that induces inflammation in herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. Read More
Microglia, immune cells that protect the brain from infection and inflammation, also appear to play a critical role in sculpting circuits in the developing brain. Read More
Researchers have devised techniques that allowed them to successfully replace dysfunctional microglia. Read More
Microglia keep the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in check in the brain. Microglia release an immune molecule that recruit immune cells from the blood to control the parasite. Read More
A new study reveals the role microglia plays in alcohol addiction, finding the immune cells alter the geometry of gray matter while under the influence of alcohol. Read More
Dropping the level of the IL-33 immune molecule increased the number of synapses in the brain. In older mice, ramping up IL-33 helped push the number of new synapses toward a more youthful state. Read More
Microglia help limit infection to the olfactory bulb and protects neurons from damage that could occur as a result of viral infection. Read More
Neurons and immune cells work together to promote tumor growth in neurofibromatosis type 1. Read More
An over-production of eIF4E impairs microglial cells, hampering their ability to effectively prune synapses and leading to autism-like behaviors in male mouse models of ASD. Read More
A new method called Tox-seq found only one sub-group of microglia caused oxidative stress. The gene expression signatures of this sub-group from a mouse model matched patterns observed in cells suspected of causing damage in progressive multiple sclerosis patients. The pattern of gene expression associated with oxidative stress in mouse cells included genes involved in coagulation. Read More
Study shows how Toxoplasma parasitic infections promote the loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain by altering the behavior of microglia. Read More
