The immune cells of the brain could treat neurodegenerative diseases
Human behavior relies on the stimulation and inhibition of neurons, and scientists have long considered that neurons are mainly responsible for maintaining this circuit of activity in balance. However, now, a research team led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has found that the brain's immune cells also play a vital role in regulating behavior.
These immune cells, known as microglia, are scavengers that eliminate dying cells. In a new study published in Nature, the team showed similar to inhibitory neurons; microglia can also sense and decrease excessive neuronal activation. The r...