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Published on: April 13, 2017
Protocol for microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB)
Zhen Xu1, Yanxia Rao2, Bo Peng3
1Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are important immune cells in the central nervous system. Replacement of mutated microglia by wild-type cells through microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation can correct gene deficiencies. However, the limited availability of bone marrow cells may restrict its potential of becoming a widely used clinical treatment. Here, we introduce a potentially clinical-feasible strategy achieving efficient microglia replacement by peripheral blood cells in mice, boosting the donor cell availability. We named it microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xu et al. (2020). The original abbreviation of this microglia replacement strategy is mrPB. We hereby change the name to Mr PB.
Insights
Peripheral blood cells can efficiently replace central nervous system microglia, overcoming limitations of bone marrow transplantation. This microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB) strategy boosts donor cell availability for potential clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Background:
- Microglia are crucial immune cells within the central nervous system.
- Gene deficiencies in microglia can be corrected by replacing mutated cells with wild-type cells.
- Current microglia replacement methods, like bone marrow transplantation, face limitations due to restricted donor cell availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a clinically feasible strategy for efficient microglia replacement using peripheral blood cells.
- To enhance donor cell availability for microglia replacement therapies.
- To present the microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB) protocol.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel protocol for microglia replacement utilizing peripheral blood cells in a mouse model.
- The protocol, termed microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB), facilitates efficient cell engraftment.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated efficient microglia replacement in the central nervous system using peripheral blood-derived cells.
- The Mr PB strategy significantly increases the availability of donor cells compared to traditional bone marrow transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB) offers a promising, scalable alternative to bone marrow transplantation for correcting microglial gene deficiencies.
- This approach holds potential for broader clinical application in treating neurological disorders.

