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Bone-marrow-derived microglia: myth or reality?
1Neuronal Survival Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They patrol the brain environment with their ramifications and they respond quickly in the presence of pathogens and brain damages. Others and we have recently reported the existence of two different types of microglia, the resident and the newly differentiated microglia that are derived from the bone marrow stem cells. Of great interest is the fact that blood-derived microglial cells are associated with amyloid plaques and these cells are able to prevent the formation or eliminate the presence of amyloid deposits in mice that develop the major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These cells are also recruited in the brain of other mouse models of brain diseases and acute injuries. They represent, therefore, a fantastic new vehicle for delivering key molecules to improve recovery, repair, and elimination of toxic proteins. However, recent studies have challenged this concept and raised concerns regarding the physiological relevance of bone-marrow-derived microglia. This review discusses both sides of the story and why the models used to follow the phenotypic fate of these cells are so crucial to reach the proper conclusion. Blood-derived progenitors have the ability to populate the CNS, especially during injuries and chronic diseases. However they do not do it in an efficient manner. Such a lack of proper recruitment may explain the delay in recovery and repair after acute damages and accumulation of toxic proteins in chronic brain diseases.
Insights
Bone marrow-derived microglia can enter the brain and help clear amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. However, their recruitment efficiency is debated, impacting CNS repair and toxic protein elimination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) immune cells with resident and newly differentiated types.
- Bone marrow-derived microglia have been linked to amyloid plaque clearance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual perspectives on the role and physiological relevance of bone marrow-derived microglia in CNS health and disease.
- To highlight the importance of experimental models in understanding microglial cell fate and function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on microglial populations.
- Discussion of experimental models used to track bone marrow-derived cell populations in the CNS.
Main Results:
- Blood-derived microglial cells show potential for clearing amyloid deposits in AD mouse models.
- These cells are recruited to the brain in various disease and injury models, suggesting therapeutic potential.
- Recent studies question the efficiency and physiological relevance of bone marrow-derived microglia recruitment.
Conclusions:
- The efficient recruitment of blood-derived progenitors to the CNS remains a critical question.
- Inefficient recruitment may contribute to delayed recovery from acute brain injuries and the accumulation of toxic proteins in chronic diseases.
- Understanding microglial origins and recruitment is crucial for developing effective CNS therapies.
