A novel in vitro model for investigating oligodendroglial maturation and myelin deposition under demyelinating and remyelinating conditions: Impact of microglial depletion and repopulation.

Experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS) have significantly contributed to our understanding of pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic interventions. Various in vivo animal models have successfully replicated key features of MS and associated pathophysiological processes, shedding light on the sequence of events leading to disease initiation, progression, and resolution. Nevertheless, these models often entail substantial costs and prolonged treatment periods.

Microglia depletion as a therapeutic strategy: friend or foe in multiple sclerosis models?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic central nervous system demyelinating disease whose onset and progression are driven by a combination of immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. The activation of microglia and astrocytes is a key player in multiple sclerosis immunopathology, playing specific roles associated with anatomical location and phase of the disease and controlling demyelination and neurodegeneration. Even though reactive microglia can damage tissue and heighten deleterious effects and neurodegeneration, activated microglia also perform neuroprotective functions such as debris phagocytosis and growth factor secretion.