Microglia are unique glial cells that exercise both CNS housekeeping and defense functions against any pathophysiological anomalies in brain. In spite of being nonneuroectodermal in origin they become an integral constituent of CNS tissue from embryonic days, an extremely responsive sensor of CNS microenvironment, and probably possess the most versatile range of functions in CNS development, maintenance, and disease. Microglia/brain macrophages are of interest to both immunologists and neurobiologists for their peculiar range of functional ability. We have experienced an explosion of research in the field of Neuroimmunology in last two decades where microglia takes a central part. The priority areas were identified mainly to designate microglial cellular lineage/identity, morphofunctional relationships, and immune functions in various disease conditions. Simultaneously, a considerable number of works also indicate the cells' important trophic functions in brain. Microglial cells contain wide range of functional flexibilities possessing immune significance. However, many of the areas related to microglia/brain macrophages have serious gaps and shortage of understanding despite constant advances in recent years.

We invite investigators to submit original research articles as well as review articles in various current aspects of microglial research. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The organization and function of microglia/myelomonocytic lineage cells from embryonic to adult brain
• Recent advancements in imaging, cell tracking, and identification protocols used in microglial research
• Microglia in CNS infection
• Microglia in neurodegeneration
• Microglia in brain tumor
• Microglia in Stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Microglia as potential vehicle or mediator in drug research and clinical trials

According to the scope of this journal authors are requested to emphasize on the immunologically relevant aspects of the above mentioned topics.

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/jir/microg/ according to the following timetable: