Microglia
These specialized immune cells act as the primary guardians of the central nervous system by identifying and eliminating harmful substances.
These cells function as the resident macrophages of the brain, patrolling the neural environment to maintain homeostasis. They operate by detecting chemical signals from damaged tissue or invading pathogens, subsequently initiating an inflammatory response to clear away cellular debris. In the context of neurodegenerative research, their failure to regulate this response correctly can lead to chronic inflammation that accelerates brain damage. This process stands in contrast to the primary functions of neurons, which are the signaling units responsible for cognitive processing rather than immune defense. Also abbreviated as MG.