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Modulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells on microglia in ischemic stroke
Lei Hao1,2,3, Yongtao Yang3, Xiaoli Xu3
1Department of Neurology, The First Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Ischemic stroke accounts for 70-80% of all stroke cases. Immunity plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Microglia are the first line of defense in the central nervous system. Microglial functions are largely dependent on their pro-inflammatory (M1-like) or anti-inflammatory (M2-like) phenotype. Modulating neuroinflammation via targeting microglia polarization toward anti-inflammatory phenotype might be a novel treatment for ischemic stroke. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been demonstrated to modulate microglia activation and phenotype polarization. In this review, we summarize the physiological characteristics and functions of microglia in the healthy brain, the activation and polarization of microglia in stroke brain, the effects of MSC/MSC-EVs on the activation of MSC in vitro and in vivo, and possible underlying mechanisms, providing evidence for a possible novel therapeutics for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Insights
Targeting microglia polarization with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) shows promise for treating ischemic stroke by reducing neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of disability, involves complex immune responses in the brain.
- Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a critical role in stroke pathophysiology.
- Microglia exist in pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, influencing stroke outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microglia in ischemic stroke.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in modulating microglia.
- To provide evidence for novel therapeutic strategies targeting neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microglia function and polarization in stroke.
- Analysis of research on MSC and MSC-EVs effects on microglia activation and phenotype.
- Examination of underlying mechanisms of MSC/MSC-EVs in modulating neuroinflammation.
Main Results:
- Microglia activation and polarization are key events in the brain following ischemic stroke.
- MSC and MSC-EVs demonstrate the ability to modulate microglia activation and promote an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
- Evidence suggests MSC/MSC-EVs can shift microglia from M1 to M2 polarization.
Conclusions:
- Modulating microglia polarization towards an anti-inflammatory state is a potential therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke.
- MSC and MSC-EVs represent promising cell-based and cell-free therapies for ischemic stroke.
- Further research into MSC/MSC-EVs mechanisms can lead to novel neuroprotective strategies.
