Microglial Cells in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

It has been shown that microglia significantly change their morphological and functional features during the course of neurodegenerative diseases, thereby contributing to the onset and progression of several CNS pathologies. However, whether microglia reactivity has beneficial or detrimental effects and consequences seems to depend on the particular disease. We aim to clarify the different microglia activation states found in distinct CNS pathologies and their contribution to disease outcomes.

Major questions are whether microglia are essential players for neurodegenerative processes and whether microglia depletion in vivo might be a therapeutic option for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the understanding of how endogenous and/or exogenous factors or molecules regulate the reactivity of microglia in CNS diseases will be a major purpose of this Special Issue.

Submissions of original research and review manuscripts focusing on microglia activation and the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord are welcome. We hope to comprehensively summarize and elucidate the different microglia activation states related to neurodegeneration and hope to increase the overall understanding of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

Prof. Dr. Björn Spittau
Guest Editor

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