Microglia in Neurodegenerative Disease: Pathological Contributions to and Therapeutic Potential for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases and especially the two most common such conditions—Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease—are a growing concern in the United States. According to 2013 data collected by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease were the sixth and fourteenth leading causes of death (CDC, 2015). Unfortunately, treatments for both diseases are largely reactionary and can only offer reduction of symptoms and not alleviation of the underlying pathology. With the clear urgency and concerning therapeutic gap in mind, I will explore the emerging neuroimmunological research that offers microglia as a viable therapeutic target. By first establishing the ongoing nature of neurodegenerative disease and the unique interaction between the nervous and immune systems, I will illustrate that microglia are an important, reinforcing contribution to these diseases. Furthermore, I will review the current literature examining microglial therapies to demonstrate the treatment potential and to assess the existing gaps in research.