Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Novel insights into the origin and development of CNS macrophage subsets
Takahiro Masuda1, Lukas Amann2, Marco Prinz2,3,4
1Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
The central nervous system (CNS) hosts a variety of immune cells, including two distinct macrophage populations: microglia are found in the parenchyma, whereas CNS-associated macrophages (CAMs) cover the CNS interfaces, such as the perivascular spaces, the meninges and the choroid plexus. Recent studies have given novel insights into the nature of CAMs as compared to microglia. In this mini-review, we summarise the current knowledge about the ontogenetic relationship and the underlying mechanism for the establishment of CNS macrophages during development.
Related Concept Videos
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Glial Cells

