Human Microglia

Microglia, one of the glial cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), is an important integral component of the neuro-glial cell network. They are present in the brain parenchyma from the early stage of development to the mature state. Microglia play an important role in brain immune surveillance. They can present antigens in the molecular context of MHC class II expression to CD-4 positive T cells, and are capable of Fc-mediated phagocytosis, and share many common antigens with hemopoietic and tissue macrophages. Upon activation, they act as brain macrophages to clear tissue debris, damaged cells, or microbes when programmed cell death occurs during brain development or when the CNS is injured. Furthermore, there is evidence that microglia are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the brain through interaction with neurons, other glial cells, and production of biologically active substances such as growth factors and cytokines.

HM from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human brain. HM are cryopreserved after purification and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 10⁶ cells in 1 ml volume. HM are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies to CD11b and/or F4/80. HM are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HM are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, HM are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures since the cells do not proliferate in regular culture.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Microglia Medium (MM, Cat. #1901) for culturing HM in vitro.