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Stem cell factor induces polarization of microglia to the neuroprotective phenotype in vitro

Tomoya Terashima1, Yuki Nakae1, Miwako Katagi1

  • 1Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.

Heliyon
|October 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Stem cell factor (SCF) activates microglia, promoting their neuroprotective functions. This suggests SCF as a potential therapeutic agent for treating neuronal diseases by enhancing microglial anti-inflammatory and regenerative capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, exist in M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (neuroprotective) phenotypes.
  • Dysfunctional microglia are implicated in the pathogenesis of various neuronal diseases, making them attractive therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of Stem Cell Factor (SCF) in neuronal diseases by analyzing SCF-activated microglia.
  • To characterize the functional and phenotypic changes in microglia upon SCF stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • Microglia were treated with Stem Cell Factor (SCF).
  • Microglial proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis were assessed.
  • Phenotypic markers (M1/M2) and cytokine expression were analyzed.
  • The effects of SCF-activated microglia supernatant on neuronal cells (NSC-34) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • SCF treatment induced microglial proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis.
  • SCF-activated microglia exhibited a neuroprotective M2 phenotype, expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.
  • Compared to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-activated microglia (M1 phenotype), SCF-activated microglia demonstrated a distinct anti-inflammatory profile.
  • Supernatant from SCF-activated microglia enhanced neuronal cell proliferation and protected against cell death.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell factor (SCF) effectively modulates microglial functions, shifting them towards a neuroprotective phenotype.
  • SCF-activated microglia exhibit enhanced anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic properties.
  • SCF holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases by leveraging the neuroprotective potential of microglia.
Keywords:
Cell biologyNeuroscience

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