Mini-brains in Klosterneuburg: drug tests with microglia are revolutionizing research!

Mini-brains in Klosterneuburg: drug tests with microglia are revolutionizing research!

A team from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg, consisting of researchers Sandra Siegert and Verena Schmied, has developed innovative brain organoids that can be used for drug testing. These organoids were grown from stem cells harvested from cells in the body and contain microglial cells, which are immune cells of the central nervous system. According to a report by Small newspaper This showed the complete integration of the microglial cells into the organoids, which was verified by microscopic examinations.

The researchers simulated viral infections in the organoids using artificially produced virus fragments. The response of microglial cells to these infections led to an inflammatory response that disrupted the proper construction of the neuronal network. Such disorders could potentially lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Current treatment options are limited because there is no specific antiviral therapy for rubella, apart from anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Effects of ibuprofen

As part of their study, the researchers administered ibuprofen to the virus-infected organoids to investigate possible side effects on the developing brain. After administering ibuprofen, the researchers found that the changes in the organoids diminished and a normal neuronal environment was restored. The protective effect of this drug is probably due to the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzyme COX 1 in microglial cells.

The results of this study suggest that brain organoid models with integrated microglial cells can mimic inflammatory responses and their therapeutic treatment. This could prove extremely useful for safety testing of medications used in pregnant women.

Importance of microglia

The role of microglia in the brain is complex and crucial for maintaining brain health. Microglia, which arise from primitive macrophages during embryonic development, act as immune sentinels in the brain, interacting with neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and regulating inflammatory responses. According to a comprehensive review PMC Microglia can switch into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, making them an important target for therapeutic interventions.

In addition, Medical Tribune Evidence discovered that damage to the blood-brain barrier promotes microglial activation, which is linked to inflammatory processes in the brain. Such activations could influence neurocognitive function and have potential clinical relevance, particularly in the context of therapies such as CAR-T cells.

Overall, research on brain organoids and microglia illustrates the potential to develop new treatments for neurological diseases and to pay more attention to the role of microglia in brain health and disease.