Microglial heterogeneity in chronic pain

In this review, we report existing preclinical evidence on how the CNS compartment as well sex affect microglia functions in health. We highlight that recent advances transcriptomics analyses have led to thorough characterization of disease-associated microglial states mice and humans. then consider specific scenario peripheral nerve or tissue injury which induce expression a subset genes dorsal horn spinal cord. suggest intriguing possibility future studies may disclose existence unique transcriptional profile is associated with chronic pain conditions. also collect activation pain-related areas brain can be observed models neuropathic agreement neuroimaging patients. Based discussed here, predict neuroimmune interactions should complement our current understanding functions, but adventure using novel approaches such scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, CYTOF transmission electron microscopy provide more complete function, transcriptome structure pain.