Ligand-receptor interactions: A key to understanding microglia and astrocyte roles in epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy continues to pose significant social and economic challenges on a global scale. Existing therapeutic approaches predominantly revolve around neurocentric mechanisms, and fail to control seizures in approximately one-third of patients. This underscores the pressing need for novel and complementary treatment approaches to address this gap. An increasing body of literature points to a role for glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Notably, microglial cells, which serve as pivotal inflammatory mediators within the epileptic brain, have received increasing attention over recent years. These immune cells react to epileptogenic insults, regulate neuronal processes, and play diverse roles during the process of epilepsy development. Additionally, astrocytes, another integral non-neuronal brain cells, have garnered increasing recognition for their dynamic contributions to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Their complex interactions with neurons and other glial cells involve modulating synaptic activity and neuronal excitability, thereby influencing the aberrant networks formed during epileptogenesis. This review explores the alterations in microglial and astrocytic function and their mechanisms of communication following an epileptogenic insult, examining their contribution to epilepsy development. By comprehensively studying these mechanisms, potential avenues could emerge for refining therapeutic strategies and ameliorating the impact of this complex neurological disease.