Articles on Microglia

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People with ALS gradually lose the ability to perform voluntary movements due to a loss of communication between the nervous system and the muscles. (Shutterstock)

May 13, 2024

A promising new study could lead to a reduction in symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Mari Carmen Pelaez, Université Laval; Antoine Desmeules, Université Laval, and Chantelle F. Sephton, Université Laval

A new study shows that it is possible to reduce the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by reducing the inflammation caused by immune cells in the brain.

Microglia perform many functions in the brain, and their role in seizures is unclear. KTSDesign/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

July 11, 2023

Immune cells in the brain may reduce damage during seizures and promote recovery, according to study in mice

Synphane Gibbs-Shelton, University of Virginia

Seizures are like sudden electrical storms in the brain that can cause lasting damage. A set of immune cells in the brain called microglia may provide protection.

Microglia (colored green) play several essential roles in maintaining brain health and function. Gerry Shaw/Wikimedia Commons

December 7, 2022

Harnessing the brain’s immune cells to stave off Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases

Kristine Zengeler, University of Virginia

Microglia, immune cells disguised as brain cells, are known as the janitors of the brain. Dialing up their usual duties just enough could provide an avenue to treat neurodegenerative disease.

Memory declines with age. Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

January 21, 2021

Cognitive decline due to ageing can be reversed in mice – here’s what the new study means for humans

Richard Faragher, University of Brighton

Anti-inflammatory drugs may be able to reverse cognitive decline in the future.

The microglia (in red) can both protect against and contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Juan Gaertner/ Shutterstock

May 27, 2020

Microglia: the brain’s ‘immune cells’ protect against diseases – but they can also cause them

Eleftheria Kodosaki, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Between 10-15% of all cells within the brain are microglia.

Evidence for a link between obesity and brain inflammation is getting stronger. Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock

July 28, 2017

Losing weight without a diet: manipulating a type of brain cell gets results in mice

Nick Lesica, UCL

Research provides hope for new anti-obesity drugs.

Job Board

Top contributors

Richard Faragher
Professor of Biogerontology, University of Brighton
Nick Lesica
Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow, UCL
Eleftheria Kodosaki
Research Fellow in Neuroimmunology, UCL
Kristine Zengeler
Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience, University of Virginia
Synphane Gibbs-Shelton
Ph.D. Candidate in Pharmacology, University of Virginia
Mari Carmen Pelaez
PhD Candidate in neuroscience, Université Laval
Antoine Desmeules
Étudiant à la maîtrise en neurosciences, Université Laval
Chantelle F. Sephton
Associate professor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval