The role and mechanism of microglia cells in multiple sclerosis

Since lymphatic draining vessels in the central nervous system of human, primates and rodents, have been identified, the role of microglia in multiple sclerosis is a focus again.Exploiting the experimental animal model, it is discovered that microglia can not only perform phagocytosis but also be activated to present antigens and secrete various pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines so as to regulate the response of other immune cells and affect the disease progress.However, many problems and limitations are to be resolved in current microglia-targeted therapies home and abroad.Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the role of microglia in multiple sclerosis from the point of the mechanism and means of treatment. Key words: Microglia; Multiple sclerosis; Antigen presentation; Phagocytosis; Drug effects