microglia

immunize, regulate, detect change

Microglial cells, the bodyguards of the brain. this multi-formed variety of glial cell is not only on the move to keep up with the brain’s changing and fluctuating needs, but each cell is also fluctuating its own abilities and phenotype. microglia comprise 10-15% of braincells. this glial cell, much like the macrophages of the body’s immune system, also engulf infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and any foreign materials. despite the multitudes of immune-homeostasis actions performed by microglia, they also have the ability to communicate with each other and other glia, nerves, T-cells, and with myeloid progenitor cells. 

A final fact: without microglia, the process of healing (regrowing and remapping neural tissue after inflammation occurs) in the CNS would be significantly slower, and nearly impossible in certain eye and brain vascular system areas.