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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Diversity and function of brain-associated macrophages
Wiebke Mildenberger1, Sebastian A Stifter1, Melanie Greter1
1Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Different tissue-resident macrophages are present in and at the borders of the brain. Microglia reside in the central nervous system parenchyma, whereas non-parenchymal macrophages dwell at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, the choroid plexus, and the meninges. Microglia display regional heterogeneity in phenotype and function, and fulfill critical roles in neuronal development and regulation of brain homeostasis in the healthy brain. In recent years, it became clear that the non-parenchymal macrophages also exhibit transcriptional diversity and different dynamics but less is known about their functional specification at their respective anatomical locations. This review discusses recent advances describing the heterogeneity of the brain macrophage compartment and potential physiological functions with a focus on non-parenchymal macrophages.
Insights
The brain contains distinct macrophage populations: microglia within the brain and non-parenchymal macrophages at its borders. This review explores their diverse roles and functions, particularly focusing on non-parenchymal macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
- Brain Homeostasis
Background:
- The brain harbors distinct macrophage populations, including microglia in the parenchyma and non-parenchymal macrophages at the brain-periphery interface.
- While microglia's functions are well-studied, non-parenchymal macrophages in areas like meninges and choroid plexus show emerging diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the heterogeneity of brain macrophage populations.
- To highlight the functional specification of non-parenchymal macrophages in their specific anatomical niches.
- To discuss potential physiological roles of these diverse macrophage populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on brain macrophage heterogeneity.
- Analysis of transcriptional data and functional studies.
- Comparative examination of microglia and non-parenchymal macrophage characteristics.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit regional heterogeneity and are crucial for brain homeostasis and development.
- Non-parenchymal macrophages, located in perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges, also display transcriptional diversity.
- Functional roles of non-parenchymal macrophages are increasingly recognized but less understood than microglia.
Conclusions:
- The brain macrophage compartment is highly heterogeneous, comprising distinct functional populations.
- Non-parenchymal macrophages represent a critical, yet understudied, component of brain immunity and homeostasis.
- Further research into non-parenchymal macrophage function is essential for a comprehensive understanding of brain physiology and pathology.
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