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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Heterogeneity of Human Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization
07:42

An In vitro Model to Study Heterogeneity of Human Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization

Published on: June 12, 2013

18.8K

Brain macrophage development, diversity and dysregulation in health and disease

Aymeric Silvin1, Jiawen Qian2, Florent Ginhoux3,4,5,6

  • 1INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, 94800, France.

Cellular & Molecular Immunology
|June 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Brain macrophages, including microglia, exhibit diverse roles and heterogeneity. Recent multiomics advances define their functions in development, aging, and diseases like neurodegeneration and glioma, offering therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Pathogenesis Research

Background:

  • Brain macrophages encompass microglia, border-associated macrophages, and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages.
  • Recent multiomics technologies have revealed the heterogeneity of these cell populations.
  • Understanding macrophage ontogeny and function is crucial for brain health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of brain macrophages in development and aging.
  • To discuss the reprogramming of brain macrophages in neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and glioma.
  • To explore the translational potential of brain macrophages as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on brain macrophage populations.
  • Analysis of multiomics data elucidating cell heterogeneity.
  • Discussion of functional programs during brain development, homeostasis, and disease.

Main Results:

  • Brain macrophages play critical roles in development and healthy aging.
  • Reprogrammed brain macrophages contribute to various neurological and autoimmune diseases.
  • Emerging discoveries highlight macrophages as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Brain macrophage heterogeneity is increasingly understood through multiomics.
  • These cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of major brain diseases.
  • Targeting brain macrophages offers promising avenues for future therapies.
Keywords:
BrainInflammationMacrophagesMeningesMicroglia

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