Tools and Approaches for Studying Microglia In vivo

Elisa Eme-Scolan; Elisa Eme-Scolan; Samantha J. Dando

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.583647

Frontiers in Immunology (Oct 2020)

Tools and Approaches for Studying Microglia In vivo

Elisa Eme-Scolan,
Elisa Eme-Scolan,
Samantha J. Dando

Affiliations

Elisa Eme-Scolan: École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
Elisa Eme-Scolan: Faculty of Health, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Samantha J. Dando: Faculty of Health, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.583647
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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Microglia are specialized resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) that have important functions during neurodevelopment, homeostasis and disease. This mini-review provides an overview of the current tools and approaches for studying microglia in vivo. We focus on tools for labeling microglia, highlighting the advantages and limitations of microglia markers/antibodies and reporter mice. We also discuss techniques for imaging microglia in situ, including in vivo live imaging of brain and retinal microglia. Finally, we review microglia depletion approaches and their use to investigate microglial function in CNS homeostasis and disease.

Published in Frontiers in Immunology

ISSN: 1664-3224 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Immunologic diseases. Allergy
Website: http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/immunology

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