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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Differential roles of resident microglia and infiltrating monocytes in murine CNS autoimmunity
1Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
Abstract:
Macrophages can be of dual origin. Most tissue-resident macrophage compartments are generated before birth and subsequently maintain themselves independently from each other locally in healthy tissue. Under inflammatory conditions, these cells can however be complemented by macrophages derived from acute monocyte infiltrates. Due to the lack of suitable experimental systems, differential functional contributions of central nervous system (CNS)-resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMF) to CNS inflammation, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), remain poorly understood. Here, we will review recent progress in this field that suggest distinct roles of microglia and MoMF in disease induction and progression, capitalizing on novel transgenic mouse models. The latter finding could have major implications for the rationale development of therapeutic approaches to the management of brain inflammation and MS therapy.
Insights
Resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMF) have distinct roles in central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Novel mouse models reveal their differential contributions to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), informing multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages in tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS), originate from distinct sources.
- Tissue-resident macrophages, like microglia, are primarily established during development.
- Monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMF) can infiltrate tissues during inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the distinct roles of microglia and MoMF in CNS inflammation.
- To highlight the importance of novel transgenic mouse models in dissecting these roles.
- To discuss implications for therapeutic strategies in brain inflammation and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of data from novel transgenic mouse models.
- Focus on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model for MS.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests distinct functional contributions of microglia and MoMF in CNS inflammation.
- Novel mouse models enable better differentiation between these macrophage populations.
- These findings differentiate the roles of microglia and MoMF in disease induction and progression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia and MoMF play differential roles in CNS inflammation and EAE.
- Understanding these distinct roles is crucial for developing targeted therapies for MS.
- Future research directions are informed by these insights into macrophage origins and functions.
