Overactivation of Microglia as a Shared Pathophysiology in Different Neuropsychiatric Disorders

In middle- and high-incomeIncome countries, more than half of the general population experiences at least one mental disorder during their lifetime, resulting in a notable decline in quality of lifeQuality of life and imposing a substantial societal and economic burden. This underscores the urgent need to identify pathophysiological mechanisms in order to establish an effective treatmentTreatment targeting neuropsychiatric disorders. The complex interplay between the immune system and the central nervous systemCentral nervous system has garnered substantial attention in recent years as a potential avenue for understanding the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the literature, this book chapter explores the multifaceted relationship between the dysregulation of the structure and function of microgliaMicroglia, the immune cells native to the brain, and the pathogenesis of a diverse array of neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorderAutism spectrum disorder, schizophreniaSchizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. While conflicting data exist, the predominant results from both preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the overactivation of microgliaMicroglia plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Dissecting the complex connection between the immune system and brain function by focusing on shared immunological pathways such as microglial overactivation will provide new insights into diagnostic approachesDiagnosis and preventive measures as well as the possibility of targeted immune interventions as innovative therapeutic strategies.