Microglia: Lifelong modulator of neural circuits

Microglia, the sole immune cells in the brain, are the key player for synaptic regulation required for our brain function in both developing and adult brain. They have highly motile processes to detect synaptic functions. Recent accumulated studies have unveiled the mechanism underlying synapse detection and pruning / formation by microglia. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of various microglial machinery recruited in synaptic modulation in the different life stages and contexts.