Microglial phagocytosis of live neurons
Microglia, the brain's professional phagocytes, can remove dead and dying neurons as well
as synapses and the processes of live neurons. However, we and others have recently
shown that microglia can also execute neuronal death by phagocytosing stressed-but-viable
neurons—a process that we have termed phagoptosis. In this Progress article, we discuss
evidence suggesting that phagoptosis may contribute to neuronal loss during brain
development, inflammation, ischaemia and neurodegeneration.
as synapses and the processes of live neurons. However, we and others have recently
shown that microglia can also execute neuronal death by phagocytosing stressed-but-viable
neurons—a process that we have termed phagoptosis. In this Progress article, we discuss
evidence suggesting that phagoptosis may contribute to neuronal loss during brain
development, inflammation, ischaemia and neurodegeneration.
Abstract
Microglia, the brain's professional phagocytes, can remove dead and dying neurons as well as synapses and the processes of live neurons. However, we and others have recently shown that microglia can also execute neuronal death by phagocytosing stressed-but-viable neurons—a process that we have termed phagoptosis. In this Progress article, we discuss evidence suggesting that phagoptosis may contribute to neuronal loss during brain development, inflammation, ischaemia and neurodegeneration.
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