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Abstract
The most characteristic feature of microglial cells is their rapid activation in response
to even minor pathological changes in the CNS. Microglia activation is a key factor
in the defence of the neural parenchyma against infectious diseases, inflammation,
trauma, ischaemia, brain tumours and neurodegeneration. Microglia activation occurs
as a graded response in vivo. The transformation of microglia into potentially cytotoxic
cells is under strict control and occurs mainly in response to neuronal or terminal
degeneration, or both. Activated microglia are mainly scavenger cells but also perform
various other functions in tissue repair and neural regeneration. They form a network
of immune alert resident macrophages with a capacity for immune surveillance and control.
Activated microglia can destroy invading micro-organisms, remove potentially deleterious
debris, promote tissue repair by secreting growth factors and thus facilitate the
return to tissue homeostasis. An understanding of intercellular signalling pathways
for microglia proliferation and activation could form a rational basis for targeted
intervention on glial reactions to injuries in the CNS.