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Review
. 2017 May 10:9:9.
doi: 10.3389/fnsyn.2017.00009. eCollection 2017.

Function and Dysfunction of Microglia during Brain Development: Consequences for Synapses and Neural Circuits

Rosa C Paolicelli  1   2 , Maria T Ferretti  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Function and Dysfunction of Microglia during Brain Development: Consequences for Synapses and Neural Circuits

Rosa C Paolicelli et al. Front Synaptic Neurosci. .

Abstract

Many diverse factors, ranging from stress to infections, can perturb brain homeostasis and alter the physiological activity of microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglia play critical roles in the process of synaptic maturation and brain wiring during development. Any perturbation affecting microglial physiological function during critical developmental periods could result in defective maturation of synaptic circuits. In this review, we critically appraise the recent literature on the alterations of microglial activity induced by environmental and genetic factors occurring at pre- and early post-natal stages. Furthermore, we discuss the long-lasting consequences of early-life microglial perturbation on synaptic function and on vulnerability to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.

Keywords: brain development; infections; microglia; neurodevelopmental disorders; stress; synapses; synaptic function; synaptic pruning.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Schematic representation of the major environmental and genetic factors described to modulate microglial activity. According to this hypothetical model, microglial-mediated altered circuit formation (as induced by early infections, stress and imbalanced diet, or by genetic causes) could contribute to higher vulnerability to a number of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disease. BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; IGF, insulin-like growth factor 1; IL, interleukin; TNFα, tumor necrosis factor α.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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