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Adoptive cell transfer of macrophages following peripheral nerve injury in mice

Atul Rawat1, Mithilesh Kumar Jha1, Brett Michael Morrison1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.

STAR Protocols
|November 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study details a method for transferring bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to aid peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. These cells can improve functional recovery, offering a potential new therapy for nerve damage.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Macrophages are crucial innate immune cells.
  • They play a significant role in biological processes, including peripheral nerve regeneration.
  • Understanding macrophage function is key to developing new therapeutic strategies for nerve injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a protocol for the adoptive cell transfer of bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) after sciatic nerve crush injury (SNCI).
  • To highlight the potential of BMDMs as a therapeutic agent for enhancing nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of BMDMs from donor mice.
  • Optional ex vivo manipulation of BMDMs.
  • Adoptive transfer of BMDMs into recipient animals following SNCI.

Main Results:

  • BMDMs can infiltrate injured peripheral nerves.
  • Adoptive transfer of BMDMs can positively impact functional recovery after SNCI.
  • This protocol provides a reproducible method for studying macrophage-mediated nerve repair.

Conclusions:

  • Adoptive cell transfer of BMDMs is a viable strategy for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.
  • BMDMs hold promise as a novel cell-based therapy for nerve injuries.
  • Further research utilizing this protocol can elucidate the mechanisms of macrophage-driven nerve repair.
Keywords:
Cell CultureImmunologyModel Organisms

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