The article "The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism" by Yuyi Luo and Zhengbo Wang explores the role of microglia in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microglia, as key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and neurodevelopment. The authors highlight that while previous studies have focused on neuronal pathological changes in ASD, recent research indicates that microglia's abnormal functions, such as impaired synaptic pruning and neurogenesis, may contribute to many ASD phenotypes. The article begins by introducing ASD, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, and communication deficits. It discusses the classification of ASD into syndromic and nonsyndromic types and the involvement of genetic and environmental factors. The role of microglia in neurogenesis and synaptic pruning is emphasized, with studies showing that microglia can regulate these processes to maintain CNS homeostasis. The authors then delve into the source of microglia, their neurodevelopmental abnormalities in ASD, and the factors they release that affect ASD. They discuss how microglia affect neurogenesis through phagocytosis of neural stem cells and their role in synaptic formation and pruning via the complement pathway. The impact of microglial activation on neural circuit formation and signal pathways is also explored, including the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The article further examines the immune function of microglia, including their migration, monitoring of the neural environment, and different activation states (M1 and M2). It also reviews the interactions between microglia and other cells in the CNS, such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and how these interactions contribute to ASD. Finally, the authors conclude by summarizing the evidence that microglia play a significant role in ASD, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. They suggest that organoid culture technology may provide valuable insights into microglial functions in ASD, aiding in the development of more effective treatments.The article "The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism" by Yuyi Luo and Zhengbo Wang explores the role of microglia in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microglia, as key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and neurodevelopment. The authors highlight that while previous studies have focused on neuronal pathological changes in ASD, recent research indicates that microglia's abnormal functions, such as impaired synaptic pruning and neurogenesis, may contribute to many ASD phenotypes. The article begins by introducing ASD, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, and communication deficits. It discusses the classification of ASD into syndromic and nonsyndromic types and the involvement of genetic and environmental factors. The role of microglia in neurogenesis and synaptic pruning is emphasized, with studies showing that microglia can regulate these processes to maintain CNS homeostasis. The authors then delve into the source of microglia, their neurodevelopmental abnormalities in ASD, and the factors they release that affect ASD. They discuss how microglia affect neurogenesis through phagocytosis of neural stem cells and their role in synaptic formation and pruning via the complement pathway. The impact of microglial activation on neural circuit formation and signal pathways is also explored, including the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The article further examines the immune function of microglia, including their migration, monitoring of the neural environment, and different activation states (M1 and M2). It also reviews the interactions between microglia and other cells in the CNS, such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and how these interactions contribute to ASD. Finally, the authors conclude by summarizing the evidence that microglia play a significant role in ASD, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. They suggest that organoid culture technology may provide valuable insights into microglial functions in ASD, aiding in the development of more effective treatments.