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Updated: Nov 23, 2025
Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion
Published on: October 20, 2016
Distinction of Microglia and Macrophages in Glioblastoma: Close Relatives, Different Tasks?
Susan Brandenburg1, Anne Blank1, Alexander D Bungert1
1Department of Experimental Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
For decades, it has been known that the tumor microenvironment is significant for glioma progression, namely the infiltration of myeloid cells like microglia and macrophages. Hence, these cell types and their specific tasks in tumor progression are subject to ongoing research. However, the distribution of the brain resident microglia and the peripheral macrophages within the tumor tissue and their functional activity are highly debated. Results depend on the method used to discriminate between microglia and macrophages, whereby this specification is already difficult due to limited options to distinguish between these both cell populations that show mostly the same surface markers and morphology. Moreover, there are indications about various functions of microglia and macrophages but again varying on the method of discrimination. In our review, we summarize the current literature to determine which methods have been applied to differentiate the brain resident microglia from tumor-infiltrated macrophages. Furthermore, we compiled data about the proportion of microglia and macrophages in glioma tissues and ascertained if pro- or anti-tumoral effects could be allocated to one or the other myeloid cell population. Recent research made tremendous efforts to distinguish microglia from recruited macrophages. For future studies, it could be essential to verify which role these cells play in brain tumor pathology to proceed with novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
Insights
Distinguishing between microglia and macrophages in glioma is challenging due to similar markers. This review examines methods and their impact on understanding myeloid cell roles in tumor progression for immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment, particularly myeloid cells like microglia and macrophages, significantly influences glioma progression.
- The precise distribution and functional roles of brain-resident microglia versus peripheral macrophages within gliomas remain poorly understood and debated.
- Current research faces challenges in reliably differentiating these myeloid populations due to overlapping surface markers and morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare methods used to distinguish microglia from macrophages in glioma tissues.
- To compile data on the relative proportions of microglia and macrophages in gliomas.
- To investigate the potential pro- or anti-tumoral functions associated with each myeloid cell type.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies differentiating microglia and macrophages in glioma.
- Compilation and analysis of published data on myeloid cell populations in glioma tissues.
- Assessment of functional roles attributed to microglia and macrophages based on differentiation methods.
Main Results:
- Various methods exist for differentiating microglia and macrophages, but their efficacy and impact on results vary.
- The proportion of microglia and macrophages in gliomas differs depending on the methodology used for identification.
- Evidence suggests distinct, though debated, functional roles for microglia and macrophages in glioma, impacting tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Accurate differentiation of microglia and macrophages is crucial for understanding their roles in glioma.
- Methodological choices significantly influence the interpretation of myeloid cell contributions to brain tumors.
- Clarifying the specific functions of these myeloid cells is essential for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies against glioma.
