Microglia and Neuroinflammation: A Journey Through Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration

Microglia, the brain’s primary immune cells of the central nervous system, play a key role in maintaining neural homeostasis and responding to pathogenic insults. However, with aging, these ordinarily protective cells often undergo changes that inadvertently contribute to neuroinflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia may become dysregulated, leading to chronic activation and an increased release of pro-inflammatory factors. This shift contributes to neuroinflammation, reduced the clearance of cellular debris, and accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative disease.



This Research Topic will explore the role of microglia in aging and neurodegeneration, gathering studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying microglial activation and dysfunction during aging. Insights into how these processes contribute to pathological states such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative disorders, as well as their implications for cognitive decline, are of particular interest. Potential themes include, but are not limited to:



• The dual role of microglia in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity during aging.

• Age-associated changes in microglial gene expression, metabolism and epigenetic regulation.

• Innovative models and imaging techniques to study microglial dynamics in the aging and disease

• Interactions between microglia and other central nervous system cells in aging and disease.

• Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglial activation, including gene therapies and computational drug repositioning.



Through this collection, we aim to deepen our understanding of microglial biology in the context of aging and explore approaches to modulate their activity for therapeutic benefit, ultimately contributing to the development of interventions that enhance cognitive health in the aging population.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microglia, Neuroinflammation, Aging, Neurodegeneraiton

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.