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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice
Published on: August 23, 2022
Transient expression of MIDC-8 in the normal mouse brain
Payam Rezaie1, Vanessa Corbisiero, David Male
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK. p.rezaie@open.ac.uk
Abstract:
In this study, we have immunohistochemically characterized the expression of mononuclear phagocyte markers CD14, CD36, CD68, CD204 and MARCO by parenchymal microglia in the developing and adult mouse brain. We further investigated whether these cells express two well-characterized phenotypic markers of dendritic cells: CD205 (DEC-205/NLDC-145) and MIDC-8 antigen. Our results confirm the lack of expression of dendritic cell markers by microglia. We noted that these cells do not appear to express markers associated with monocytes and macrophages during the course of development, but do express CD68 and CD204 antigens in the adult. Unexpectedly, we also noted the transient expression of MIDC-8 antigen on cells within the medial ganglionic eminence and by neuroepithelial cells lining the lateral ventricles and in the medial lemniscus between E15 and E19. We discuss this finding in the context of neural and haematopoietic differentiation.
Insights
Microglia in the mouse brain do not express dendritic cell markers. While they lack monocyte/macrophage markers during development, adult microglia express CD68 and CD204, with transient MIDC-8 expression observed in specific developing brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system.
- Understanding microglial phenotype is crucial for studying neuroinflammation and development.
- Mononuclear phagocyte markers are used to define myeloid cell subsets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize mononuclear phagocyte and dendritic cell marker expression in developing and adult mouse microglia.
- To investigate the expression of CD14, CD36, CD68, CD204, MARCO, CD205, and MIDC-8 on microglia.
- To compare microglial phenotype with monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect marker expression in the mouse brain.
- Parenchymal microglia were analyzed in both developing and adult stages.
- Expression of specific cell surface antigens was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Microglia confirmed to lack expression of dendritic cell markers (CD205, MIDC-8).
- Microglia did not express monocyte/macrophage markers during development but expressed CD68 and CD204 in adults.
- Transient expression of MIDC-8 antigen was unexpectedly observed in specific developing brain regions (medial ganglionic eminence, lateral ventricles, medial lemniscus) between embryonic days 15-19.
Conclusions:
- Mouse microglia exhibit a distinct immunophenotype that differs from dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages.
- Adult microglia express specific myeloid markers (CD68, CD204), suggesting a specialized role.
- The transient MIDC-8 expression in developing brain regions warrants further investigation into neural and hematopoietic differentiation.
