immune defense
of the brain

Microglia are phagocytic cells that are dedicated to the immune defense of the brain and spinal cord.  In addition to protecting central nervous system from infection, microglia are essential for healing after injury and for maintaining homeostasis by engulfing neurons that undergo programmed cell death during development.  When activation of microglia is prolonged or inappropriate, they can also damage healthy cells in the brain and exacerbate disease.

 

talbot lab.  stanford school of medicine.  copyright © 2015.  all rights reserved.