Regulation of microglia polarization

Microglia are resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that continuously monitor the microenvironment and respond to damage or disease with rapid phenotypic changes. Microglial polarization refers to the ability of microglia to acquire distinct activation states—traditionally classified as pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2, including M2a, M2b, M2c subtypes) phenotypes—based on external stimuli and signaling cues such as cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IFN‑γ) and various miRNAs. These states play divergent roles in neuroinflammation, tissue repair, neurodegeneration, and CNS homeostasis. The regulation of microglia polarization is multifactorial, involving intracellular signaling cascades (NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Notch, MAPK), miRNA networks, and environmental factors. Modulating microglial polarization is being investigated as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and injury-related CNS diseases, but no single molecule or receptor universally governs this process. Instead, it represents a therapeutic strategy or biological process rather than a canonical drug target.

Other names

Microglial polarization regulationMicroglia polarization modulation小胶质细胞极化调控

Inhibition or activation of signaling pathways regulating M1/M2 state (e.g., NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Notch signaling pathways); Modulation of cytokine environment (e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ); miRNA-mediated regulation (e.g., miR-125b, miR-101, miR-9, miR-92a)