Using a mouse model for live imaging of microglial activation crossed with SOD1G93A and SOD1G37R animal models of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-mutant-mediated ALS, the pre-onset phase of SOD1-mediated ALS was found to be characterized by a unique anti-inflammatory profile and a decreased innate immune/TLR2 response to LPS stimulation. The gene discussed is SOD1; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.