Targeting microglia-oligodendrocyte crosstalk in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Drug Discov Today. 2022 Sep;27(9):2562-2573. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.06.015. Epub 2022 Jul 4.

Abstract

To understand how various brain cell types communicate with each other to orchestrate functional processes, it is crucial to comprehend the signals used to relay such information. Therefore, an important challenge to studying complex brain diseases is to interrogate relevant interactions between cell types. The microglia-oligodendroglia interaction is an important example that has fundamental roles in physiological state and brain pathologies. Here, we review the latest findings on microglia-oligodendroglia interplay in physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, we provide an in silico ligand-receptor interaction analysis to explore potential druggable targets in multiple sclerosis (MS) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Keywords: Depression; Microglia; Multiple sclerosis; Oligodendrocyte; White matter.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Depressive Disorder, Major*
  • Humans
  • Microglia
  • Multiple Sclerosis*
  • Oligodendroglia

Grants and funding