Microglia-astrocyte crosstalk has recently been at the forefront of glial research. Emerging evidence illustrates that microglia- and astrocyte-derived signals are the functional determinants for the fates of astrocytes and microglia, respectively. By releasing diverse signaling molecules, both microglia and astrocytes establish autocrine feedback and their bidirectional conversation for a tight reciprocal modulation during central nervous system (CNS) insult or injury. Microglia, the constant sensors of changes in the CNS microenvironment and restorers of tissue homeostasis, not only serve as the primary immune cells of the CNS but also regulate the innate immune functions of astrocytes. Similarly, microglia determine the functions of reactive astrocytes, ranging from neuroprotective to neurotoxic. Conversely, astrocytes through their secreted molecules regulate microglial phenotypes and functions ranging from motility to phagocytosis. Altogether, the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk is fundamental to neuronal functions and dysfunctions. This review discusses the current understanding of the intimate molecular conversation between microglia and astrocytes and outlines its potential implications in CNS health and disease.

小胶质细胞与星形胶质细胞的串扰最近已成为神经胶质研究的前沿。新兴证据表明，小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞衍生的信号分别是星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞命运的功能决定因素。通过释放各种信号分子，小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞都建立自分泌反馈和它们的双向对话，以在中枢神经系统（CNS）侮辱或伤害期间进行紧密的相互调节。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统微环境变化和组织稳态恢复的恒定传感器，不仅充当中枢神经系统的主要免疫细胞，而且还调节星形胶质细胞的先天免疫功能。同样，小胶质细胞决定反应性星形胶质细胞的功能，范围从神经保护作用到神经毒性。反过来，星形胶质细胞通过其分泌的分子调节小胶质细胞表型和功能，从运动性到吞噬作用。总之，小胶质细胞与星形胶质细胞的串扰是神经元功能和功能障碍的基础。这篇综述讨论了目前对小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞之间密切的分子对话的理解，并概述了其对中枢神经系统健康和疾病的潜在影响。