免疫细胞,神经退行性疾病 z-bo 2020-10-07 378

　　There are many kinds of immune cells in the brain, and they play an important role in brain function. The research team led by Professor Kiavash Movahedi of the VUB VIB Inflammation Research Center created a complete map of brain immune cells. This not only reveals the amazing diversity of macrophages, but also reveals the existence of microglia. It is worth noting that these previously unknown microglia are clearly similar to those commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. These new discoveries are important for understanding the role of macrophages in healthy brain physiology and developing future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

　　100 years ago, Spanish scientist Piodelio-Hor Tega first discovered macrophages in the brain. Most brain macrophages are called microglia. These cells are in close contact with neurons and are essential for the normal development and function of the brain. However, in addition to microglia, there are several other types of macrophages in the brain, many of which are relatively unknown.

　　Professor Kiavash Movahedi (VIB Inflammation Research Center, VUB) said: “The research on microglia is very detailed, but the research on other brain macrophages is still very mysterious. I want to better understand these cells. For regulating brain inflammation and Immunity is very important. Because we believe "

　　Map gene expression in thousands of cells

　　The work done by researchers to reveal the heterogeneity of macrophages in different areas of the brain analyzes the method of gene expression in thousands of individual cells. In total, the researchers analyzed more than 60,000 single cells from healthy mouse brains (a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease) and mice with important genetic mutations that affect the immune system.

　　"With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing technology, biology has reached a new level. Fortunately, we work closely with Professor Yvan Saeys (VIB-UGenT Inflammation Research Center) and his team of bioinformatics experts. Correct Analyzing the data is not easy," Movahedi explained.

　　Control brain cells to fight against Alzheimer's disease? Hannah VanHove, the lead author and doctoral student of this study, said: "Our results indicate that the function of brain macrophages may vary greatly depending on their anatomical location." An unexpected finding is the network of cells that are in direct contact with the cerebrospinal fluid. Microglia attach to the edge of the choroid plexus. When exposed to the toxic amyloid deposits typical of Alzheimer's disease, these choroid plexus microglia have similar activation effects to microglia. "The current challenge is to elucidate the function of this new type of microglia and understand its relationship with the microglia responses observed during neurodegeneration," Professor Qiao explained. Now, researchers hope to understand the signals and environmental factors that occur in various forms of brain macrophages. By doing so, they hope to find a strategy to control its functions. Mowahdi said: "It is becoming increasingly clear that inflammation plays an important role in many neurological diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the inside and outside of brain macrophages is the ultimate treatment for these diseases. Method." I think this will be the key to finding the answer. "