Microglia-Astrocyte Crosstalk: An Intimate Molecular Conversation

Microglia-astrocyte crosstalk has recently been at the forefront of glial research. Emerging evidence illustrates that microglia- and astrocyte-derived signals are the functional determinants for the fates of astrocytes and microglia, respectively. By releasing diverse signaling molecules, both micr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Neuroscientist (Baltimore, Md.) Vol. 25; no. 3; p. 227
Main Authors Jha, Mithilesh Kumar, Jo, Myungjin, Kim, Jae-Hong, Suk, Kyoungho
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.2019
Subjects
Animals
Astrocytes - immunology
Astrocytes - metabolism
Brain - metabolism
Cell Communication
Cell Movement
Encephalitis - immunology
Encephalitis - metabolism
Humans
Immunity, Innate
Microglia - immunology
Microglia - metabolism
Neurons - immunology
Neurons - metabolism
Phagocytosis
Synaptic Transmission
microenvironment
secreted factors
glial molecular signaling
neuroinflammation
astrocytes
microglia
microglia-astrocyte crosstalk
central nervous system
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Summary:Microglia-astrocyte crosstalk has recently been at the forefront of glial research. Emerging evidence illustrates that microglia- and astrocyte-derived signals are the functional determinants for the fates of astrocytes and microglia, respectively. By releasing diverse signaling molecules, both microglia and astrocytes establish autocrine feedback and their bidirectional conversation for a tight reciprocal modulation during central nervous system (CNS) insult or injury. Microglia, the constant sensors of changes in the CNS microenvironment and restorers of tissue homeostasis, not only serve as the primary immune cells of the CNS but also regulate the innate immune functions of astrocytes. Similarly, microglia determine the functions of reactive astrocytes, ranging from neuroprotective to neurotoxic. Conversely, astrocytes through their secreted molecules regulate microglial phenotypes and functions ranging from motility to phagocytosis. Altogether, the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk is fundamental to neuronal functions and dysfunctions. This review discusses the current understanding of the intimate molecular conversation between microglia and astrocytes and outlines its potential implications in CNS health and disease.
ISSN:1089-4098
DOI:10.1177/1073858418783959