Immune Surveillance: They constantly survey the CNS environment, using their motile processes to detect and respond to pathogens and injury. Phagocytosis: Microglia are involved in clearing apoptotic cells, debris, and pathogens through phagocytosis, an essential function for maintaining CNS homeostasis. Synaptic Pruning: During development and in response to learning, microglia help refine neural circuits by engulfing synaptic components, a process known as synaptic pruning. Inflammation Modulation: In events of CNS injury or disease, microglia can become activated, releasing cytokines and other factors that modulate inflammation.
