Keeping the Sentinels of the Brain Vigilant

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the central nervous system that act as sentinels to maintain healthy brain function. They protect the brain against processes that can ultimately lead to neurodegeneration. Vigil Neuroscience is developing precision medicines designed to target microglia and restore and enhance the performance of these cells when they fail to act as they should due to disease. The company’s lead program is in development as a treatment for ALSP, a rare, genetic, neurodegenerative condition. We spoke to Ivana Magovčević-Liebisch, president and CEO of Vigil Neuroscience, about the role of microglia, what happens to these cells in ALSP, and why the company’s approach can have implications for a range of rare and common neurodegenerative conditions.