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Drivers and shapers of macrophages specification in the developing brain
Simone Brioschi1, Claudia Z Han2, Marco Colonna2
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
The brain harbors two major macrophage populations: microglia reside within the brain parenchyma, while border-associated macrophages (BAMs) are situated at central nervous system (CNS) interfaces. BAMs can be further classified into distinct subsets based on their localization: perivascular macrophages surround blood vessels, meningeal macrophages reside in the leptomeninges, dura macrophages in the dura mater, and choroid plexus macrophages are confined to the choroid plexus. The environmental factors and molecular mechanisms driving the specification of these macrophage populations are still being elucidated. Deciphering the communication pathways between CNS macrophages and their tissue niches during development, homeostasis, and pathologic conditions offers significant potential for treating a wide range of brain disorders, from neurodevelopmental and neuroinflammatory diseases to neurovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. With this short review, we will address the current understanding and knowledge gaps in the field, as well as the future directions for the upcoming years.
Insights
The brain has two main macrophage types: microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs). Understanding their communication is key to treating brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- The brain contains microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs) at its interfaces.
- BAMs include perivascular, meningeal, dura, and choroid plexus macrophages.
- Factors specifying these macrophage populations are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of CNS macrophage populations.
- To identify knowledge gaps in their development and function.
- To outline future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CNS macrophage research.
- Analysis of communication pathways between macrophages and CNS niches.
- Discussion of implications for brain disorders.
Main Results:
- Detailed classification of BAM subsets based on location.
- Highlighting the need for further research into environmental and molecular drivers.
- Emphasizing the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophage-niche interactions.
Conclusions:
- CNS macrophages, particularly BAMs, play critical roles in brain health and disease.
- Further research into macrophage-niche communication is essential for developing novel treatments.
- Targeting these pathways holds promise for neurodevelopmental, neuroinflammatory, neurovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions.
