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Updated: May 31, 2026
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Parenchymal accumulation of CD163+ macrophages/microglia in multiple sclerosis brains
Zhiren Zhang1, Zhi-Yuan Zhang, Jens Schittenhelm
1Institute of Immunology, Third Military Medical University of PLA, Gaotanyan Main Street 30, 400038, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. zhangzhiren@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Reactive macrophages/microglia exert both protective or damaging effects in multiple sclerosis (MS), which contribute to the relapsing-remitting nature of MS. CD163 is considered a marker of M2 (alternatively activated) macrophages. In the MS brain, CD163(+) perivascular macrophages express molecules for antigen recognition and presentation. Here we further investigated the accumulation of CD163(+) macrophages/microglia in the parenchyma of MS brains. CD163 expression pattern was investigated in different lesions of brain tissue specimens from five MS brains and five neuropathologically unaffected controls by immunohistochemistry. In the parenchyma of normal brain samples, immunoreactivity (IR) of CD163 was absent. In acute active lesions and at the rim of chronic active lesions of MS, strong accumulation of CD163(+) macrophages/microglia was seen. In chronic inactive lesions and in the center of chronic active lesion, CD163(+) macrophages/microglia were rare. Further, double-labeling showed that parenchymal and perivascular CD163(+) macrophages/microglia were myelin basic protein positive and HLA-DR(+), suggesting that CD163(+) macrophages/microglia could ingest and present antigen. In addition, in vitro incubating macrophage RAW264.7 cells with myelin turned LPS-induced inflammatory macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype, indicating that myelin basic protein positive, CD163(+) macrophages/microglia in MS might have anti-inflammatory effects. The parenchymal CD163(+) macrophages/microglia, which had the capacity for antigen ingestion and presentation, might contribute to the resolution of inflammation in MS.
Insights
CD163-positive macrophages accumulate in active multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, potentially offering protective, anti-inflammatory effects by presenting antigens. This suggests a role in resolving MS inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pathology of Multiple Sclerosis
Background:
- Reactive macrophages and microglia play dual roles in multiple sclerosis (MS), influencing its relapsing-remitting course.
- CD163 is a marker for M2 macrophages, and CD163-positive perivascular macrophages in the MS brain are involved in antigen recognition and presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accumulation patterns of CD163-positive macrophages/microglia within the parenchyma of MS brains.
- To explore the potential anti-inflammatory role of CD163-positive macrophages/microglia in the context of MS pathology.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine CD163 expression in brain tissue from MS patients and controls.
- Double-labeling techniques identified the phenotype and antigen-presenting capabilities of CD163-positive cells.
- In vitro experiments assessed the effect of myelin on macrophage inflammatory status.
Main Results:
- CD163 immunoreactivity was absent in normal brain parenchyma but strongly accumulated in acute and active chronic MS lesions.
- CD163-positive cells in MS lesions expressed myelin basic protein and HLA-DR, indicating antigen ingestion and presentation.
- In vitro, myelin exposure shifted macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Parenchymal CD163-positive macrophages/microglia are significantly increased in active MS lesions.
- These cells possess antigen-presenting capabilities and may exert anti-inflammatory effects, potentially contributing to inflammation resolution in MS.
