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Fig. 7 | Journal of Neuroinflammation

Fig. 7

From: Midbrain microglia mediate a specific immunosuppressive response under inflammatory conditions

Fig. 7

Unique properties and specific responses of midbrain microglia to LPS. a Microglial cells from the midbrain are balanced towards a primed state, a constitutive state of immune alert compared to microglia from other brain regions. Upon LPS stimulation, microglia from the midbrain switch to a potent immunosuppressive phenotype. This response differs from that observed in the striatum, cortex, or hippocampus. b Pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglial cells includes stronger MHC-II, CD80, and CD86 expression, and better antigen-presenting capability and T cell recruitment. These changes are mediated or accompanied by stronger production of the classical pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglial cells is characterized by the downregulation of MHC-II expression and consequently the loss of antigen-presenting capability. Immunosuppressive microglia express high levels of CD80 without any change in their CD86 expression. CD80 may counteract the CD4 T cell response through its interaction with CTLA-4 and PD-L1 on activated T cells. The recruitment of Tregs and the production of immunosuppressive cytokines are also indicators of this anti-inflammatory state

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