![“Precise blood vessel function is critical to accommodate the extreme energy demands of the brain for normal brain function,” said Ukpong B. Eyo, a top expert on microglia. Credit: Dan Addison, University Communications, University of Virginia Discovery of new role for brain's immune cells could have Alzheimer's implications](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2021/discovery-of-new-role.jpg)
University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have revealed a vital but previously unknown role for immune cells that protect the brain from disease and injury: The cells, known as microglia, also help regulate blood flow and maintain the brain’s critical blood vessels.
In addition to revealing a new aspect of human biology, the findings may prove important in cognitive decline, dementia and stroke, among other…