The choroid plexus (CP), localized in brain ventricles, is the major source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and participates in the blood-CSF barrier. It is essential for brain immunosurveillance and the clearance of toxics, and for brain development and activity. Indeed, the CP secretes a large variety of trophic factors in the CSF that impact the entire brain. These factors are mainly implicated in neurogenesis, but also in the maintenance of brain functions and the vasculature. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the various trophic factors secreted by the CP in the CSF, and describe their roles in the developing, adult and diseased brain.