Upregulation of EphA4 deteriorate brain damage by shifting microglia M1-polarization via NF-κB signaling after focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Ischemic stroke is the main reason of disability and mortality in many countries, and currently has limited treatments. The post-stroke inflammation characterized with microglia activation and polarization has been regarded as a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. After ischemia, the activated microglia polarize to classical (M1) phenotype or alternative (M2) phenotype and exhibit biphasic function.