Tools and Approaches for Studying Microglia In vivo .

Authors :: Eme-Scolan E
Dando SJ
Source :: Frontiers in immunology [Front Immunol] 2020 Oct 07; Vol. 11, pp. 583647. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Oct 07 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: 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.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Eme-Scolan and Dando.)