Researchers conducted a pioneering study to unravel the genetic programs triggered upon inflammation in microglia, specialized resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Using state-of-the-art single-cell transcriptomics, they uncovered distinct gene expression profiles under inflammatory conditions that greatly differ from the profiles observed in steady state conditions and in neurodegenerative diseases. The findings may facilitate future studies on therapeutic approaches to restore normal microglia function in neurological disorders.