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Review
. 2024:37:209-219.
doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-55529-9_12.

Microglial Modulation of Synaptic Maturation, Activity, and Plasticity

Maria Joana Pinto  1   2 , Davide Ragozzino  3   4 , Alain Bessis  1 , Etienne Audinat  5
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Microglial Modulation of Synaptic Maturation, Activity, and Plasticity

Maria Joana Pinto et al. Adv Neurobiol. 2024.
Free article

Abstract

Microglia, which are the resident immune cells of the CNS, also have important functions in physiological conditions. In this chapter, we review the experimental evidence that microglia modulate neuronal and synaptic activity during normal development and in adults. We show that microglia can regulate the maturation and function of both inhibitory and excitatory synapses that can be stimulated or repressed. We further review the fact that these regulations occur in various brain regions, through soluble and membrane molecules, directly or through other cell partners. This review emphasizes the fact that microglia are genuine and highly context-dependent and thus adaptable regulators of neuronal activity.

Keywords: ATP; Inflammation; Neuronal development; Neuronal network; Synapse; Synapse maturation.

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