The study of microglial cell biology has become the key to understanding the brain's fundamental tissue reactions as well as the cellular mechanisms underlying CNS disease. This article focuses on glial-neuronal interactions with special reference to human pathology. Three important areas of brain pathology are critically reviewed: multiple sclerosis and CNS inflammation, the brain in AIDS and opportunistic infections, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although microglial cytotoxicity may cause bystander damage, e.g. in ischemia, there is little evidence to support the view that microglial activation per se is pathogenic. Results suggesting that one important normal function of microglia is to protect the integrity of the central nervous system are discussed. The concept is proposed that microglia function as a highly developed guardian to the CNS.