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Published on: April 13, 2017
From bone marrow to microglia: barriers and avenues
Nathalie Davoust1, Carine Vuaillat, Geraldine Androdias
1INSERM U851, IFR Biosciences, University of Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Microglia form a unique population of brain-resident macrophages. Although microglia have been involved in multiple disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), the issue of microglial renewal, under normal or pathological conditions, has been controversial. In mice, results from bone marrow chimera studies indicated that microglia are slowly but continuously replenished by bone marrow-derived cells. Moreover, such a microglial turnover was found to be greatly accelerated under multiple neurological conditions. However, recent works questioned the use of irradiation/reconstitution experiments to assess microglial turnover. Based on these different studies, we propose here a re-evaluation of microglia origin(s) in the inflamed CNS. We also discuss the therapeutic perspectives offered by the demonstration of an adult microglial lineage, from bone marrow to brain.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are continuously replenished by bone marrow cells, especially during neurological disease. This study re-evaluates microglial origins and therapeutic potential in the inflamed central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Microglia are unique macrophages residing in the brain.
- Their role in central nervous system (CNS) disorders is recognized, but their renewal process remains controversial.
- Previous studies suggested microglia are replenished by bone marrow-derived cells, a process accelerated in neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the origins of microglia in the inflamed CNS.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies based on adult microglial lineage.
Main Methods:
- Review and re-evaluation of existing studies on microglial turnover.
- Analysis of bone marrow chimera studies.
- Consideration of recent work questioning irradiation/reconstitution experiments.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests microglia are continuously replenished by bone marrow-derived cells.
- Microglial turnover is significantly accelerated under various neurological conditions.
- Concerns exist regarding the interpretation of data from irradiation/reconstitution experiments.
Conclusions:
- A re-evaluation of microglial origins in the inflamed CNS is necessary.
- The demonstration of an adult microglial lineage from bone marrow to brain offers therapeutic perspectives.
- Understanding microglial renewal is crucial for developing treatments for CNS disorders.
