Regulation of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation by store operated Orai1 channels

Microglia are the tissue-resident macrophage-like cells in the central nervous system, and regulate numerous physiological functions ranging from detection of pathogens and tissue damage to phago- and efferocytosis. Growing evidence indicates that microglia also play powerful roles in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission by secreting a variety of neuroactive factors especially proinflammatory cytokines. Cytokines evoke a vast array of effects on neurons as well as glia including alterations in Ca2+ signaling and synaptic transmission, which are implicated in brain pathologies such as neuropathic pain and neurodegenerative diseases.