Microglial cells are extremely plastic, and undergo a variety of structural changes based on location and system needs.
This level of plasticity is required to fulfill the vast variety of functions that microglia perform.
The ability to transform distinguishes microglia from macrophages, which must be replaced on a regular basis, and provides them the ability to defend the CNS on extremely short notice without causing immunological disturbance.
Microglia adopt a specific form, or phenotype, in response to the local conditions and chemical signals they have detected.
Microglial cells are extremely plastic, and undergo a variety of structural changes based on location and system needs. This level of plasticity is required to fulfill the vast variety of functions that microglia perform. The ability to transform distinguishes microglia from macrophages, which must be replaced on a regular basis, and provides them the ability to defend the CNS on extremely short notice without causing immunological disturbance. Microglia adopt a specific form, or phenotype, in response to the local conditions and chemical signals they have detected.
Microglia