Microglia: An Active Player in the Regulation of Synaptic Activity

Figure 3

Schematic depicting some of the potential mechanisms through which microglia can affect neuronal activity. Potential interactions between neurons, astrocytes, and microglia at the synapse. The area depicted by the red circle is magnified in inset. Inset: microglial processes in proximity to neuronal synapses can modify neuronal activity via multiple potential pathways. They can secrete proteases to modulate the stability of synaptic adhesion molecules (which in turn influences synaptic transmission) or remove complement-tagged structures. They can release ectosomes that directly interact with the neuronal membranes and initiate signaling cascades. They can also affect directly glutamatergic or GABAergic transmission.