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Obtaining Human Microglia from Adult Human Brain Tissue
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The role of microglial cell subsets in Alzheimer's disease

G Naert1, S Rivest

  • 1Laboratory of Endocrinology and Genomics, CHUL Research Center and, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier boul., Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada.

Current Alzheimer Research
|March 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) show potential in combating Alzheimer disease (AD) by reducing amyloid-beta plaques and improving cognitive function. Enhancing BMDM recruitment offers a promising therapeutic avenue for AD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Alzheimer disease (AD) involves cognitive decline and amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation.
  • Microglia, including resident and bone marrow-derived cells, are present near Aβ plaques.
  • These microglial subsets may have distinct functions in AD pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of different microglial subsets in Alzheimer disease.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) in counteracting AD.
  • To highlight strategies for improving BMDM recruitment for AD treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microglia in Alzheimer disease models.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the effects of bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) on AD progression.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies involving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or genetic modification.

Main Results:

  • Bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) can delay or halt Alzheimer disease progression in mouse models.
  • Preventing BMDM recruitment exacerbates AD pathology.
  • Transplantation or genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells can improve cognitive function and reduce Aβ burden.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia subsets play a critical role in Alzheimer disease.
  • Genetically-modified bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) offer a potent therapeutic strategy for AD.
  • Enhancing BMDM recruitment is a promising approach to combat Aβ accumulation and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease.

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