microglial priming

Full Definition

A pathophysiological state in which microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, become hypervigilant and primed for activation. Primed microglia exhibit altered gene expression profiles, increased surveillance behavior, and heightened responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli. This priming can result from previous infections, stress, aging, or neurodegenerative processes. When subsequently challenged, primed microglia produce more robust and potentially harmful inflammatory responses, contributing to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

In Context

• "Chronic stress led to microglial priming, making the brain more vulnerable to subsequent inflammatory insults." — Neuroscience research paper
• "The concept of microglial priming explains why some patients develop more severe neuroinflammation following viral infections." — Medical review article