Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: February 16, 2018
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived microglia for the study of brain disorders. A comprehensive review of
Fionicca Teo1, Catherine Yen Li Kok1, Mao-Jia Tan1
1Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
Abstract:
Microglia, resident immune cells of the brain that originate from the yolk sac, play a critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis by monitoring and phagocytosing pathogens and cellular debris in the central nervous system (CNS). While they share characteristics with myeloid cells, they are distinct from macrophages. In response to injury, microglia release pro-inflammatory factors and contribute to brain homeostasis through activities such as synapse pruning and neurogenesis. To better understand their role in neurological disorders, the generation of in vitro models of human microglia has become essential. These models, derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), provide a controlled environment to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The incorporation or generation of microglia into three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures provides a more physiologically relevant environment that offers further opportunities to study microglial dynamics and disease modeling. This review describes several protocols that have been recently developed for the generation of human-induced microglia. Importantly, it highlights the promise of these in vitro models in advancing our understanding of brain disorders and facilitating personalized drug screening.
Insights
Researchers developed methods to create human microglia models from stem cells. These models aid in studying brain disorders and developing personalized treatments for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are crucial brain immune cells involved in homeostasis and neurological disorders.
- Existing research necessitates better in vitro models for studying human microglia.
- Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a source for these models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protocols for generating human induced microglia (hiMG).
- To highlight the utility of hiMG models in understanding neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- To emphasize the potential for personalized drug screening using these models.
Main Methods:
- Generation of human microglia from patient-specific iPSCs.
- Incorporation of microglia into 3D organoid cultures.
- Review of recently developed protocols for hiMG generation.
Main Results:
- Established protocols enable the generation of functional human microglia in vitro.
- These models mimic key aspects of microglial behavior relevant to disease.
- 3D organoid systems enhance the physiological relevance of microglial studies.
Conclusions:
- In vitro human microglia models are essential tools for neurological disorder research.
- These models facilitate the study of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Human induced microglia models hold promise for advancing personalized medicine and drug discovery.
