Microglia and macrophages in the neuro-glia-vascular unit: From identity to functions

• Published in: Neurobiology of disease 2023-04, Vol.179, p.106066-106066, Article 106066
• Main Authors: Chen, Shuning, Li, Jiaying, Meng, Shan, He, Tingyu, Shi, Ziyu, Wang, Chenran, Wang, Yana, Cao, Hui, Huang, Yichen, Zhang, Yue, Gong, Ye, Gao, Yanqin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Blood flow regulation; Brain - pathology; Central Nervous System Diseases - pathology; Humans; Macrophages; Microglia - physiology; Perivascular macrophages; Phagocytosis; Single-cell RNA sequencing; Vessel-associated microglia
• ISSN: 0969-9961; 1095-953X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106066

Although both are myeloid cells located surrounding cerebral vasculature, vessel-associated microglia (VAM) and perivascular macrophages (PVMs) can be distinguished by their distinct morphologies, signatures and microscopic location. As key component of neuro-glia-vascular unit (NGVU), they play prominent roles in neurovasculature development and pathological process of various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including phagocytosis, angiogenesis, vessel damage/protection and blood flow regulation, therefore serving as potential targets for therapeutics of a broad array of CNS diseases. Herein, we will provide a comprehensive overview of heterogeneity of VAM/PVMs, highlight limitations of current understanding in this field, and discuss possible directions of future investigations. •VAM and PVMs show different origins and distinct contrasts in morphologies, signatures and locations.•VAM and PVMs respectively play crucial roles in vasculature maintanence and pathological progression.•Spatial techniques are expected to advance our knowledge of the intrinsic nature and multifaceted functions of VAM/PVMs.