The Role of Microglia in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a pivotal role in maintaining neural homeostasis, shaping synaptic connectivity, and responding to injury. Increasing evidence highlights their dual function in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, where microglia can exert both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on their activation state, molecular signaling pathways, and disease context. Dysregulated microglial function is now recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

This Special Issue, “The Role of Microglia in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases”, aims to provide an updated overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which microglia contribute to CNS physiology and pathology. Topics of interest include—but are not limited to—microglial activation states and phenotypes, signaling pathways such as TREM2, CX3CR1, and NF-κB, interactions with astrocytes and neurons, regulation of synaptic pruning, and crosstalk with peripheral immune cells. Studies employing molecular, genetic, and translational approaches are particularly welcome, as are reviews that summarize novel therapeutic strategies targeting microglial dysfunction. We invite contributions that will advance our understanding of microglia as both guardians and drivers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Shunqi Wang
Guest Editor

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