Monocytes in central nervous system remyelination

Lindsey H Forbes1,2, Veronique E Miron1,2,3

  • 1Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor's Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Glia
|October 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Remyelination failure worsens with age and neurodegeneration. New tools reveal monocyte-derived macrophages are key to successful remyelination and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Remyelination failure contributes to axonal dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) macrophages, including microglia and monocyte-derived cells, are vital for remyelination.
  • The specific role of monocyte-derived macrophages in remyelination remains unclear due to limited distinguishing tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss advancements in distinguishing CNS macrophage populations.
  • To highlight the importance of monocytes in the remyelination process.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting monocytes for remyelination.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing new tools for identification and characterization of CNS macrophage populations.
  • Analyzing monocyte subsets in health, aging, and neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis.
  • Reviewing recent literature on monocyte contributions to remyelination.

Main Results:

  • Recent advances enable the distinction and characterization of diverse monocyte subsets.
  • Monocyte heterogeneity is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors in various conditions.
  • Emerging evidence underscores the critical role of monocytes in successful remyelination.

Conclusions:

  • New tools are crucial for understanding CNS macrophage heterogeneity.
  • Monocyte-derived macrophages are important players in CNS repair and remyelination.
  • Targeting specific monocyte populations offers a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting remyelination.