Caspases orchestrate microglia instrumental functions

Publication date: Available online 2 October 2018Source: Progress in NeurobiologyAuthor(s): Xianli Shen, Jose Luis Venero, Bertrand Joseph, Miguel Angel BurguillosAbstractMicroglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, can acquire various cell phenotypes based on their location and current role. This level of plasticity is required to fulfil the vast variety of functions that microglia perform. Adequate microglial functions are crucial for a healthy brain. However, microglial activation can also contribute to both degenerative/traumatic and proliferative diseases. We review current evidence supporting roles for caspases, a family of proteases, in the overall control of microglia, from the regulation of their activation, their biological functions, to their death. Further, we discuss possible roles for these microglial caspase-dependent signaling pathways in brain diseases.
Source: Progress in Neurobiology - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research