Thinking with rhythm about the benevolent side of the innate immunity

Abstract

The immune system is responsible for surveillance and monitoring, and for reacting against pathogens and insults. The central nervous system (CNS) is a highly protected area that utilizes its own immune resources, due in part to anatomical barriers. These are the microglia, which are the resident phagocytes of the CNS. Microglia are highly dynamic cells in both shape and phenotype. They originate from myeloid precursors in the yolk sac that colonize the developing CNS. Beyond their defensive role, microglia participate in many processes that shape and maintain the CNS, and also implement its plasticity. One question that emerges is whether microglia adjust their functions based on their own innate temporal capacity, or whether they merely react to external temporal cues. Our group has been working with the pineal gland, as a circadian model within the CNS, in order to better understand microglia phenotypes in both ontogeny and daily cycles.