Navigating the frontier of human microglia isolation-standardization and translational insight

The expanding field of neuroscience has increasingly recognized the critical role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), in human health and disease. This review embarks on an in-depth exploration of the current landscape of human microglia extraction techniques. With a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by human tissue samples, we delve into various sources of human microglia, including primary brain tissue and stem cell-derived models, addressing the ethical and logistical considerations inherent to these methodologies. Laboratory techniques for microglia extraction are scrutinized, highlighting adaptations for human samples in enzymatic digestion, mechanical dissociation, density gradient centrifugation, and cell sorting, alongside innovations in cryopreservation and viability assessment. Critical perspectives are offered on technical hurdles, technique selection for human research, and the horizon of emerging technologies. Standardization efforts and international guidelines are discussed, underscoring their significance in fostering reproducibility and comparability across studies. The review also illuminates applications of human microglia in disease modeling, drug discovery, and understanding neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. Concluding remarks emphasize future directions of human microglia research, advocating for methodological precision and integration of next-generation technologies to unlock new therapeutic avenues. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers navigating the complex terrain of human microglia extraction, aiming to catalyze advancements in neuroscience research through methodological innovation and standardization.