Gene expression and genetic variation studies suggest an important contribution of microglia cells to the onset and progression of most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where a putative diversity of microglia states with divergent homeostatic or pathophysiological roles has been proposed. However, very little is known on the mechanisms regulating the ability of these highly plastic cells of the brain to adopt specialized roles when exposed to different conditions. In my talk I will discuss about our work aimed at understanding the molecular underpinnings of the transitions and maintenance of the distinct phenotypic and functional states of brain’s innate immune cells during the neuroinflammatory response. A better understanding of microglia heterogeneity may help to devise new therapeutic interventions for most prevalent brain diseases.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.