SCIENTISTS in Shenzhen have, for the first time, confirmed the existence of microglia in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This breakthrough opens new pathways for treating neurological diseases such as developmental disorders, nerve injury, abnormal pain, and viral infections affecting nerves.

The study, conducted by a research team at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was published in the latest issue of Cell.

An international reviewer of the study commented, “This is a very important new discovery and frameshift in our understanding. Prior to this, we assumed there were no microglia-like cells outside the central nervous system.”

Immune cells, an essential part of the immune system, play significant roles in embryonic development, organ formation, maintaining body stability, and influencing disease occurrence and progression.

The discovery may reshape understanding of various PNS-related disorders. For instance, dysfunctions of these PNS microglia cells may contribute to congenital PNS defects during fetal development. It may provide new drug targets for treating PNS hereditary neurological diseases.

In cases of PNS nerve injury or neurodegeneration, the activation of PNS microglia may help remove damaged tissues and encourage nerve regrowth. During viral infections, they might protect neurons from pathogens. (Xinhua)