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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Measuring Progressive Neurological Disability in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: November 14, 2016
Microglia-associated progression of multiple sclerosis: target identification and therapeutic engagement in human in
Alica Blenkle1, Anastasia Geladaris1,2, Martin S Weber3,4,5
1Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy TNM, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Chronic progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely to develop on the basis of a highly complex interaction of different mechanisms, which are probably already present at disease onset. While animal models have been instrumental in developing therapies for relapsing forms of MS, they have provided limited insight into the processes driving disease progression. To overcome these limitations, human in vitro models have emerged as powerful tools to dissect cellular mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight advances in modeling MS progression, using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived systems, with a particular focus on microglia as key mediators of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We critically discuss the strengths and limitations of current induced pluripotent stem cell-based microglia models, and their utility in target identification and therapeutic engagement. By emphasizing translational applications and methodological innovations, this Review provides a framework for leveraging human in vitro models to better understand and therapeutically modulate microglia-associated progression in MS.
Insights
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia models offer new insights into multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. These models help identify therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) involves complex mechanisms present from disease onset.
- Animal models have limitations in elucidating MS progression mechanisms.
- Human in vitro models are crucial for dissecting cellular processes and identifying therapeutic targets in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in modeling MS progression using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived systems.
- To focus on the role of microglia in MS neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- To discuss the utility of hiPSC-based microglia models for target identification and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived systems to model MS progression.
- Focusing on microglia as key cellular mediators.
- Critically evaluating current hiPSC-based microglia models.
Main Results:
- hiPSC-derived microglia models provide a platform to study MS progression.
- These models facilitate the dissection of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration pathways.
- The models show potential for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Human in vitro models, particularly hiPSC-derived microglia, are powerful tools for understanding MS progression.
- These models offer translational applications for identifying therapeutic targets.
- Methodological innovations in hiPSC-based models are key for modulating microglia-associated MS progression.
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