Microglia: sculptors of neuropathic pain?

Author:

Ward Harry1,West Steven J.2ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

2. Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, 25 Howland St, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Abstract

Neuropathic pain presents a huge societal and individual burden. The limited efficacy of current analgesics, diagnostic markers and clinical trial outcome measures arises from an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. A large and growing body of evidence has established the important role of microglia in the onset and possible maintenance of neuropathic pain, and these cells may represent an important target for future therapy. Microglial research has further revealed their important role in structural remodelling of the nervous system. In this review, we aim to explore the evidence for microglia in sculpting nervous system structure and function, as well as their important role in neuropathic pain, and finally integrate these studies to synthesize a new model for microglia in somatosensory circuit remodelling, composed of six key and inter-related mechanisms. Summarizing the mechanisms through which microglia modulate nervous system structure and function helps to frame a better understanding of neuropathic pain, and provide a clear roadmap for future research.

Funder

Wellcome

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

Multidisciplinary

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