Detailed brain map uncovers hidden immune cells that may be involved in neurodegenerative disorders Our brains do not only contain neurons, but also a variety of immune cells that play an important role in its functioning. A team led by Prof. Kiavash Movahedi (VIB Center for Inflammation Research at VUB) has developed a comprehensive cell atlas of the brain’s immune compartment. This revealed not only the striking diversity of brain macrophages but also found microglia where they were not expected. Remarkably, these ‘hidden’ microglia showed a clear resemblance to microglia that are normally associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The new insights are important for better understanding the role of macrophages in healthy brain physiology and for developing future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
