Because neuronal interactions modulate microglial phenotype, we then compared microglial TSPO expression in neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord (Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respectively) as well as the classical neuroinflammatory brain disease MS which features highly activated microglia. The gene discussed is TSPO; the disease is myeloid sarcoma.