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Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Microglia versus Monocytes: Distinct Roles in Degenerative Diseases of the Retina
Chen Yu1, Christophe Roubeix2, Florian Sennlaub2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Unlike in the healthy mammalian retina, macrophages in retinal degenerative states are not solely comprised of microglia but may include monocyte-derived recruits. Recent studies have applied transgenics, lineage-tracing, and transcriptomics to help decipher the distinct roles of these two cell types in the diseasesettings of inherited retinal degenerations and age-related macular degeneration.Literature discussed here focuses on the ectopic presence of both macrophage types in the extracellular site surrounding the outer aspect ofphotoreceptor cells (i.e.,the subretinal space), which is crucially involved in the pathobiology. From these studies we propose a working model in which perturbed photoreceptor states cause microglial dominant migration to the subretinal space as a protective response, whereas the abundant presence ofmonocyte-derived cells there instead drives and accelerates pathology. The latter, we propose, is underpinned by specific genetic and nongenetic determinants that lead to a maladaptive macrophage state.
Insights
In retinal degenerative diseases, both microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages infiltrate the subretinal space. Microglia offer protection, while excessive monocyte-derived cells accelerate disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- In healthy retinas, macrophages are primarily microglia.
- Retinal degenerative diseases involve both microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages in the subretinal space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the roles of microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages in retinal degeneration.
- To propose a model for macrophage involvement in inherited retinal degenerations and age-related macular degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing transgenics, lineage-tracing, and transcriptomics.
- Focus on macrophage localization in the subretinal space.
Main Results:
- Microglia migrate to the subretinal space as a protective response to photoreceptor stress.
- Abundant monocyte-derived macrophages in the subretinal space drive and accelerate retinal pathology.
Conclusions:
- A proposed model highlights distinct, context-dependent roles for microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages in retinal disease.
- Maladaptive macrophage states, influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors, contribute to accelerated pathology.
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