Proper development and function of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) depend critically on the activity of parenchymal sentinels referred to as microglia. Although microglia were first described as ramified brain-resident phagocytes, research conducted over the past century has expanded considerably upon this narrow view and ascribed many functions to these dynamic CNS inhabitants. Microglia are now considered among the most versatile cells in the body, possessing the capacity to morphologically and functionally adapt to their ever-changing surroundings. Even in a resting state, the processes of microglia are highly dynamic and perpetually scan the CNS. Microglia are in fact vital participants in CNS homeostasis, and dysregulation of these sentinels can give rise to neurological disease. In this review, we discuss the exciting developments in our understanding of microglial biology, from their developmental origin to their participation in CNS homeostasis and pathophysiological states such as neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration, sterile injury responses, and infectious diseases. We also delve into the world of microglial dynamics recently uncovered using real-time imaging techniques.

中文翻译：

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小胶质细胞的发育和功能。

哺乳动物中枢神经系统 (CNS) 的正常发育和功能严重依赖于被称为小胶质细胞的实质哨兵的活动。尽管小胶质细胞最初被描述为分枝的大脑驻留吞噬细胞，但在过去的一个世纪中进行的研究已经大大扩展了这种狭隘的观点，并将许多功能归因于这些动态的中枢神经系统居民。小胶质细胞现在被认为是体内用途最广泛的细胞之一，具有在形态和功能上适应不断变化的环境的能力。即使在静止状态下，小胶质细胞的过程也是高度动态的，并且会不断扫描中枢神经系统。小胶质细胞实际上是 CNS 稳态的重要参与者，这些哨兵的失调会导致神经系统疾病。在这次审查中，我们讨论了我们对小胶质细胞生物学理解的激动人心的发展，从它们的发育起源到它们参与 CNS 稳态和病理生理状态，如神经精神疾病、神经变性、无菌损伤反应和传染病。我们还深入研究了最近使用实时成像技术发现的小胶质细胞动力学世界。