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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
Microglia in the Brain Tumor Microenvironment
Allison P Cole1, Eric Hoffmeyer1, Senthilnath Lakshmana Chetty1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Abstract:
Microglia are the brain resident phagocytes that act as the primary form of the immune defense in the central nervous system. These cells originate from primitive macrophages that arise from the yolk sac. Advances in imaging and single-cell RNA-seq technologies provided new insights into the complexity of microglia biology.Microglia play an essential role in the brain development and maintenance of brain homeostasis. They are also crucial in injury repair in the central nervous system. The tumor microenvironment is complex and includes neoplastic cells as well as varieties of host and infiltrating immune cells. Microglia are part of the glioma microenvironment and play a critical part in initiating and maintaining tumor growth and spread. Microglia can also act as effector cells in treatments against gliomas. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge of how and where microglia are generated. We also discuss their functions during brain development, injury repair, and homeostasis. Moreover, we discuss the role of microglia in the tumor microenvironment of gliomas and highlight their therapeutic implications.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, originate from yolk sac macrophages. These cells are vital for brain development, homeostasis, and repair, but also drive glioma growth and present therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, originating from yolk sac macrophages.
- Recent technological advancements, including imaging and single-cell RNA-seq, have illuminated microglia's complex biology.
- These cells are integral to brain development, homeostasis, and injury repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ontogeny and fundamental functions of microglia.
- To elucidate the multifaceted role of microglia within the glioma tumor microenvironment.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting microglia in glioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on microglia biology and function.
- Analysis of the role of microglia in central nervous system development and injury.
- Examination of microglia's involvement in glioma initiation, progression, and therapeutic response.
Main Results:
- Microglia originate from primitive yolk sac macrophages and are essential for normal brain function.
- In gliomas, microglia contribute to tumor growth and metastasis.
- Microglia also possess effector functions that can be harnessed for anti-glioma therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microglia generation and function is key to comprehending brain health and disease.
- Microglia represent a critical component of the glioma microenvironment with dual roles in tumor progression and therapeutic response.
- Targeting microglia offers promising avenues for novel glioma treatment strategies.
