Protocol for microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB)

Summary Microglia are important immune cells in the central nervous system. Replacement of mutated microglia by wild-type cells through microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation can correct gene deficiencies. However, the limited availability of bone marrow cells may restrict its potential of becoming a widely used clinical treatment. Here, we introduce a potentially clinical-feasible strategy achieving efficient microglia replacement by peripheral blood cells in mice, boosting the donor cell availability. We named it microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xu et al. (2020). The original abbreviation of this microglia replacement strategy is mrPB. We hereby change the name to Mr PB.
Graphical abstract
Highlights • Protocol describes two lineage tracing approaches for Mr PB • Mr PB lineage tracing by intragastrical tamoxifen injection of CX3CR1-CreER::Ai14 mouse • Mr PB lineage tracing by parabiosis with detailed descriptions of surgery steps • Improving donor cell availability comparing to Mr BMT
Microglia are important immune cells in the central nervous system. Replacement of mutated microglia by wild-type cells through microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation can correct gene deficiencies. However, the limited availability of bone marrow cells may restrict its potential of becoming a widely used clinical treatment. Here, we introduce a potentially clinical feasible strategy achieving efficient microglia replacement by peripheral blood (Mr PB) cells in mice, boosting the donor cell availability. We named it Mr PB.