Figure 2

Model for innate versus adaptive microglial activation responses. In the context of β-amyloid challenge, microglia activate a phagocytic response. If co-stimulated with CD40 ligand, a shift from innate activation to adaptive antigen-presenting cell response ensues. Additionally, certain anti-inflammatory Th2-type cytokines shift this balance back towards innate phagocytic response, while some pro-inflammatory Th1-associated cytokines tip the balance further towards adaptive activation of microglia. See the text and Table 1 for references. Abbreviations used: APC, antigen presenting cell; CD40L, CD40 ligand; Th1, CD4+ T helper cell type I response; Th2, Th type II response; TGF, transforming growth factor; IL, interleukin; IFN, interferon, TNF, tumor necrosis factor.