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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Co-Cultured with Primary Mixed Glia to Reduce Prion-Induced Inflammation
Published on: August 11, 2023
Cellular therapy using microglial cells
John Schloendorn1, Sebastian Sethe, Alexandra Stolzing
1Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA. Zauberkugel@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Recent insights into the function and dysfunction of microglia may inform future therapies to combat neurodegeneration. We hypothesise how different aspects of microglial activity including migration, activation, oxidative response, phagocytosis, proteolysis, and replenishment could be targeted by novel therapeutic approaches. A combined approach is suggested, encompassing opsonization and anti-inflammatory strategies in conjunction with an engineering of microglial precursors. Xenoproteases for bioremediation could be used to enhance intracellular and extracellular proteolytic capacity. The capacity of microglial precursors to cross the blood-brain barrier and to home in on sites of neural damage and inflammation might prove to be particularly useful for future therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Novel therapies targeting microglial functions like migration and phagocytosis could combat neurodegeneration. Engineering microglial precursors offers a promising strategy for treating brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Therapeutics
Background:
- Microglia play a crucial role in brain health and disease.
- Dysfunctional microglia are implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.
- Understanding microglial activity is key to developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting microglial functions for neurodegeneration.
- To investigate the potential of combined approaches including precursor cell engineering.
- To identify specific microglial activities amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Main Methods:
- Hypothesizing therapeutic targets based on microglial functions (migration, activation, oxidative response, phagocytosis, proteolysis, replenishment).
- Proposing combined strategies: opsonization, anti-inflammatory approaches, and microglial precursor engineering.
- Considering xenoproteases for enhancing proteolytic capacity.
- Evaluating the potential of microglial precursors to cross the blood-brain barrier and home to damaged areas.
Main Results:
- Specific microglial functions offer potential therapeutic targets.
- A combined therapeutic approach involving precursor engineering shows promise.
- Xenoproteases could augment proteolytic functions.
- Microglial precursors possess advantageous properties for brain repair.
Conclusions:
- Targeting microglial functions presents a viable strategy for neurodegenerative disease therapy.
- Engineering microglial precursors offers a novel and potentially effective therapeutic avenue.
- Combined therapeutic modalities may yield superior outcomes in combating neurodegeneration.
