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Microglia Activation

Meaning

A dynamic cellular response where microglia, the resident macrophages and primary immune surveillance cells of the central nervous system (CNS), transition from a quiescent, ramified state to an active, amoeboid phenotype. This activation is a fundamental component of the neuroinflammatory response to local injury, infection, or the presence of pathological protein aggregates. While essential for neuroprotection and debris clearance, chronic or excessive microglia activation contributes significantly to neuronal damage and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.