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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: February 16, 2018
Restorative therapy using microglial depletion and repopulation for central nervous system injuries and diseases
Weipeng Shi1,2, Jing Zhang1,2, Zhen Shang1,2
1Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
Abstract:
Microglia are important resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in its development, homeostasis, and disease treatments. Activated microglia perform diverse functions in mouse models of CNS neurodegenerative diseases or deficits. In humans, microglia have been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. Following brain or spinal cord injury, microglia express pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes at different stages of recovery. With the development of pharmacological and genetic tools for microglial depletion, studies have demonstrated that microglial depletion exerts both positive and negative effects in the treatment of CNS diseases. Notably, microglial depletion provides an empty niche that stimulates production of new microglia. Microglial depletion and repopulation can not only treat diseases by eliminating dysfunctional microglia but can also provide an indication of the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Although this approach has shown impressive results, its use is still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the current pharmacological and genetic tools for microglial depletion and highlight recent advances in microglial repopulation therapy for the treatment and functional recovery of neurological diseases and deficits. Finally, we briefly discuss the therapeutic challenges and prospective uses of microglial repopulation therapy.
Insights
Microglial depletion and repopulation show promise for treating neurological diseases by clearing dysfunctional cells and creating a niche for new microglia. This emerging therapy offers potential for functional recovery in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), crucial for development, homeostasis, and disease.
- Activated microglia exhibit diverse functions in CNS neurodegenerative diseases and injuries, displaying dynamic inflammatory phenotypes.
- Microglia are implicated in various human neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current pharmacological and genetic tools for microglial depletion.
- To highlight advances in microglial repopulation therapy for neurological conditions.
- To discuss therapeutic challenges and future prospects of microglial repopulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglial depletion and repopulation strategies.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating the effects of microglial manipulation in CNS disease models.
- Synthesis of findings regarding therapeutic outcomes and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Microglial depletion has shown both beneficial and detrimental effects in CNS disease treatment.
- Depletion creates a niche that stimulates new microglial production, facilitating repopulation.
- Microglial depletion and repopulation can eliminate dysfunctional cells and elucidate disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Microglial depletion and repopulation therapy is an emerging strategy for treating neurological diseases and deficits.
- This approach holds potential for functional recovery by replacing damaged microglia with healthy ones.
- Further research is needed to overcome therapeutic challenges and realize the full potential of microglial repopulation.
