Research suggests that the loss of microglial SIRPα may promote synaptic pruning in preclinical models of neurodegeneration. Other studies indicate that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning may also be involved in various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and sleep deprivation-induced mania. The role of microglia in synaptic regulation and neurodegeneration appears to be a complex and multifaceted area of ongoing research.