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A Comparative Biology of Microglia Across Species
Kaushik Sharma1,2, Kanchan Bisht1,2, Ukpong B Eyo1,2
1Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
Abstract:
Microglia are unique brain-resident, myeloid cells. They have received growing interest for their implication in an increasing number of neurodevelopmental, acute injury, and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Fate-mapping studies establish microglial ontogeny from the periphery during development, while recent transcriptomic studies highlight microglial identity as distinct from other CNS cells and peripheral myeloid cells. This evidence for a unique microglial ontogeny and identity raises questions regarding their identity and functions across species. This review will examine the available evidence for microglia in invertebrate and vertebrate species to clarify similarities and differences in microglial identity, ontogeny, and physiology across species. This discussion highlights conserved and divergent microglial properties through evolution. Finally, we suggest several interesting research directions from an evolutionary perspective to adequately understand the significance of microglia emergence. A proper appreciation of microglia from this perspective could inform the development of specific therapies geared at targeting microglia in various pathologies.
Insights
Microglia, unique brain immune cells, show conserved and divergent evolutionary traits. Understanding their origins and functions across species can reveal new therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Microglia are unique myeloid cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Their involvement in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recognized.
- Recent studies suggest distinct ontogeny and identity compared to peripheral myeloid cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare microglial identity, ontogeny, and physiology across invertebrate and vertebrate species.
- To highlight conserved and divergent microglial properties throughout evolution.
- To propose future research directions for understanding microglial evolution and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fate-mapping and transcriptomic studies.
- Comparative analysis of microglial characteristics across diverse species.
- Evolutionary perspective on microglial emergence and function.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a unique ontogeny and distinct identity for microglia.
- Similarities and differences in microglial functions across species were identified.
- Conserved and divergent evolutionary pathways for microglial properties were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Microglial evolution reveals conserved and divergent traits, crucial for understanding their roles.
- An evolutionary approach can illuminate the significance of microglia in health and disease.
- This perspective may guide the development of targeted microglia-based therapies for CNS pathologies.
