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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
05:35
Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Microglia in Immunocompetent Mice Brain via Non-Invasive Transnasal Route
Published on: May 31, 2022
Induced pluripotent stem cell treatment for microglia replacement in progressive MS
Agastya Reddy Malladi1, Naghmeh Abbasi Kasbi1, Jeffrey A Cohen2
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show promise for replacing harmful microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS). While direct studies are lacking, preclinical data suggest iPSC-derived cells could be a viable therapy for MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia are key drivers of pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Targeting microglia with colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitors is a potential therapeutic strategy.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a source for cell replacement therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using iPSC-derived microglia to replace pathogenic microglia in MS.
- To review existing literature on microglial depletion, iPSC differentiation, and cell transplantation in the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search.
- Review of studies on microglial depletion and CSF-1R inhibitors.
- Analysis of iPSC differentiation protocols for microglia generation.
- Examination of preclinical transplantation studies in MS models.
Main Results:
- No direct studies currently exist on iPSC-derived microglia transplantation in MS.
- Preclinical studies with other iPSC-derived neural cells show successful engraftment and functional recovery in MS models.
- Evidence supports the biological plausibility of iPSC-based CNS cell replacement.
Conclusions:
- Replacing pathogenic microglia with iPSC-derived microglia is a potential therapeutic strategy for progressive MS.
- Further preclinical research is essential to establish safety, optimize transplantation, and assess long-term efficacy.
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