Phagocytic functions of microglial cells in the central nervous system and their importance in two neurodegenerative diseases: multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease

Microglial cells are the resident phagocytic cells of the central nervous system ( CNS). They possess a wide range of receptors allowing them to identify and internalize numerous pathogens. We will discuss here the role of the most important receptors of microglia involved in non-opsonin-dependent phagocytosis ( mannose receptor, beta-glucan receptor, scavenger receptor) and that of receptors involved in the opsonin-dependent phagocytosis, namely the complement 3 ( CR3) and the Fc gamma receptors ( Fc gamma R). First, the molecular and cellular mechanisms induced when these receptors are conducting a phagocytic event are presented. In the second part, we will discuss the role these receptors may play in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, in the elimination by phagocytosis of myelin and beta amyloid peptide respectively. (c) Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. All rights reserved.