Neurons likely communicate with Hoxb8 microglia not only chemically (through ligand/receptor interactions) but also electrically (i.e., for example from sensory signals emanating from the somatosensory cortex) by generating inward currents that would depolarize the Hoxb8 microglia membrane and thereby trigger the induction of anxiety and grooming. The gene discussed is HOXB8; the disease is Anxiety.