Synaptotagmin-11 suppresses microglial activation

What is it about?

Microglia are the principal immune cells in the central nervous system and play pivotal roles in the response to infection and injury and in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Cytokine secretion and phagocytosis are two key functions of activated microglia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation in microglia remain largely unknown. Here we report that synaptotagmin-11 inhibits both cytokine secretion and phagocytosis and suppresses microglial activation.

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Why is it important?

Prolonged or unrestrained activation of microglia is detrimental to neuronal survival and brain function and is involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Discovery of inhibitors such as synaptotagmin-11 is important for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating microglial activation and may provide new potential therapeutic target.