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Neuroprotective Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease
Chang Li1,2, Yu-Hua Chen1, Ke Zhang1
1Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline and senile plaques formed by amyloid β (Aβ). Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have proposed 2 types of microglia, namely, the resident microglia and bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM). Recent studies suggested that BMDM, not the resident microglia, can phagocytose Aβ, which has a great therapeutic potential in AD. Bone marrow-derived microglia can populate the CNS in an efficient manner and their functions can be regulated by some genes. Thus, methods that increase their recruitment and phagocytosis could be used as a new tool that clears Aβ and ameliorates cognitive impairment. Herein, we review the neuroprotective functions of BMDM and their therapeutic potential in AD.
Insights
Bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) show therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease (AD) by clearing amyloid-beta plaques. Enhancing BMDM recruitment and phagocytosis may offer new strategies for AD treatment and cognitive improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and cognitive decline.
- Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in AD pathogenesis.
- Two distinct microglia populations exist: resident microglia and bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroprotective functions of bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To explore the therapeutic potential of enhancing BMDM activity for AD treatment.
- To discuss methods for increasing BMDM recruitment and phagocytosis of amyloid-beta.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of research on bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) function and CNS colonization.
- Examination of genetic regulation and therapeutic strategies targeting BMDM.
Main Results:
- Bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM), unlike resident microglia, demonstrate the capacity to phagocytose amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques.
- BMDM can efficiently populate the central nervous system (CNS).
- The function of BMDM is subject to genetic regulation, offering avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions:
- Bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM) present significant therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their ability to clear amyloid-beta (Aβ).
- Strategies aimed at increasing BMDM recruitment and enhancing their phagocytic activity could serve as novel therapeutic tools for AD.
- Targeting BMDM offers a promising approach to ameliorate cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease.
