Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

09:12
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Bone marrow-derived microglia in pilocytic astrocytoma
Wafa AlShakweer1, Yazeed Alwelaie, Aaron M Mankung
1Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) exhibit M2 markers. Macrophage recruitment into PAs suggests a model for studying glioma infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting tumor growth.
- Malignant gliomas feature tumour-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs) with a predominant CD163 immunophenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and phenotype of M2 macrophages in benign pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs).
- To determine if TAMs in PAs share the CD163 immunophenotype with those in malignant gliomas.
- To explore the origin of macrophages in PAs, differentiating between resident microglia and vasculature-derived cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) tissue samples.
- Morphological assessment to identify macrophage infiltration and origin.
Main Results:
- Strong morphological evidence suggests macrophage recruitment into pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) from the vasculature.
- Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) show the presence of M2 macrophages.
- Microglia/macrophage infiltration alone does not correlate with malignant glioma behavior.
Conclusions:
- Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) serve as a valuable model for studying macrophage recruitment into gliomas.
- Macrophage infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) via vasculature is supported by findings in PAs.
- The study confirms that microglia/macrophage infiltration is not inherently linked to malignant glioma progression.

