CSF1 Overexpression Promotes High-Grade Glioma Formation without Impacting the Polarization Status of Glioma-Associated Microglia and Macrophages.

Current therapies for high-grade gliomas extend survival only modestly. The glioma microenvironment, including glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAM), is a potential therapeutic target. The microglia/macrophage cytokine CSF1 and its receptor CSF1R are overexpressed in human high-grade gliomas.

CSF1 overexpression has pleiotropic effects on microglia in vivo.

Macrophage colony stimulating factor (CSF1) is a cytokine that is upregulated in several diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). To examine the effects of CSF1 overexpression on microglia, transgenic mice that overexpress CSF1 in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) compartment were generated. CSF1 overexpressing mice have increased microglial proliferation and increased microglial numbers compared with controls.