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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion

Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion

Published on: October 20, 2016

Consensus statement on microglial and macrophage functions in gliomas.

Yuqi Zheng¹, Islam Alzoubi², Manuel B Graeber³

¹Ken Parker Brain Tumour Research Laboratories, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.

Acta Neuropathologica

|April 16, 2026

Summary

Glioma cells manipulate microglia and macrophages (tumor-associated microglia/macrophages or TAMs) to promote tumor growth and resistance. Targeting specific TAMs or using engineered extracellular vesicles offers new therapeutic strategies for glioma.

Keywords:

Glioma Immunotherapy Macrophages Microglia Neurooncology

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Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

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Published on: November 28, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuro-oncology
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia and macrophages, collectively known as tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs), play complex roles in glioma progression and therapeutic resistance.
Recent research reveals significant heterogeneity, plasticity, and intricate interactions of TAMs within the glioma microenvironment, challenging traditional classifications.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize current knowledge on TAMs in glioma, moving beyond simplistic M1/M2 paradigms.
To highlight novel therapeutic targets and strategies for glioma treatment based on TAM function and interaction with the tumor microenvironment.

Main Methods:

International consensus statement synthesizing recent findings from preclinical and clinical glioma research.
Analysis of cellular, spatial, and temporal heterogeneity of TAMs and their interactions with glioma cells, stem cells, and neurons.

Main Results:

Glioma cells actively manipulate TAMs to suppress anti-tumor immunity and promote progression.
Microglia influence neuron-glioma interactions, fostering tumor advancement.
Extracellular vesicles derived from glioblastoma can reprogram microglia to support tumor growth, representing potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

A paradigm shift is needed away from simplistic M1/M2 classifications and 'neuroinflammation' terminology.
Precision therapies targeting specific TAM subsets or functions, alongside bioengineered extracellular vesicles, show promise for treating gliomas.
Modulating the tumor microenvironment to convert immunosuppression into immunostimulation is key to improving patient outcomes in glioblastoma and other gliomas.