Science
This review focuses on the critical roles of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, in central nervous system development. It details how microglia are involved in various neurodevelopmental processes, including the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of neural and glial precursor cells, as well as the refinement of neural circuits through synaptic remodeling and myelination. A significant portion of the review emphasizes the involvement of the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), explaining its impact on microglial function and its potential implications when dysregulated, particularly in relation to early brain development and its links to neurodegenerative conditions. The text also explores the heterogeneity of microglia across different developmental stages and brain regions, highlighting their dynamic adaptability and complex interactions with other brain cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. References: * Morini R, Tagliatti E, Bizzotto M, et al. Microglial and TREM2 dialogues in the developing brain[J]. Immunity, 2025.