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Assessing Retinal Microglial Phagocytic Function In Vivo Using a Flow Cytometry-based Assay
Published on: October 18, 2016
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Microglial subtypes: diversity within the microglial community.
Vassilis Stratoulias1, Jose Luis Venero2,3, Marie-Ève Tremblay4,5
1Toxicology Unit, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
The EMBO Journal
|August 3, 2019
Summary
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, exhibit intrinsic diversity beyond environmental responses. This review highlights distinct microglial subtypes with unique functions in health and disease, advocating for functional categorization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
- Central Nervous System Research
Background:
- Microglia are key brain-resident macrophages forming the CNS immune barrier.
- Traditionally viewed as plastic cells adopting phenotypes based on environmental cues.
- Emerging evidence suggests intrinsic cellular properties also drive microglial functional differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for intrinsic microglial heterogeneity.
- To explore the concept of distinct microglial subtypes.
- To propose a functional basis for microglial categorization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on microglial heterogeneity.
- Analysis of studies investigating microglial functions in health and disease.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting intrinsic microglial properties.
Main Results:
- Microglia possess intrinsic properties leading to functional diversity, not solely driven by extrinsic factors.
- Distinct microglial subtypes exist, each with unique features and functions.
- This intrinsic diversity contributes to varied roles in CNS health and disease.
Conclusions:
- Microglial heterogeneity is a crucial aspect of their function.
- Categorization of microglia should consider both plasticity (reaction states) and intrinsic diversity (subtypes).
- Future research should focus on identifying and characterizing functional microglial subtypes.
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