Neuroinflammation is described as one of the major factors for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is characterized by an increase of glial cells reactivity (microglia and astrocytes), often along with brain-blood barrier permeability and leukocyte infiltration. Characterizing those inflammatory mechanisms in order to understand the influence of those cells and their secreted molecules on cerebral functions represent a major challenge for clinical and experimental researches. Working with a team of experts, researchers and engineers, along with advanced equipment, the platform for the study of Neuroinflammation of the NeuroDiderot laboratory at the Robert Debré Hospital gather a whole set of technology and expertise to study and analyze the inflammatory processes affecting the nervous system.

Our expertise

Microglia

Our platform has an in-depth knowledge in microglia homeostasis and reactivity. We provide in vivo analysis, following magnetic cell sorting using appropriate antibodies (CD11B, CD11B/C, P2RY12) from mouse or rat brain, in healthy or pathological condition, from birth to adulthood. This technology, which is currently the reference for cell sorting, is compatible with all the applications offered by our platform :



We also provide an analysis of in vitro inflammatory processes, using microglia primary culture. Bokobza et al., 2022 Jove Journal : DOI: 10.3791/62964. After modulating different molecular targets (using pharmacological drugs or interfering ARN transfection), our platform offers a complete analysis of microglia reactivity :



We have also developed flow cytometry studies in order to analyze microglia cells sub-populations.

Moreover, we have a genetically-modified mouse model in which CNS-associated macrophages and microglia cells express GFP and peripheral macrophages express RFP (CX3CR1-GFP/CCR2-RFP knock-in mice). Those mice enable morphologic studies, using microscopy, of CNS-associated macrophages/microglia reactivity as well as macrophage infiltration in the nervous system.


Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes

Similar to microglia, we are offering in vivo analyses of astrocyte and oligodendrocyte, following magnetic cell sorting with specific antibodies: ACSA-1 and ACSA-2 for astrocytes and PDGFR∝ and O4 for oligodendrocytes.
We are also able to perform in vitro analyses, using primary astrocytes or oligodendrocytes culture.


Neutrophils and Macrophages

We are also capable of studying and quantifying peripheral immune cell infiltration in the brain, using flow cytometry.


Neuroprotection

We also have a strong expertise in the analysis of neuroprotective properties of molecules or candidate compounds. Indeed, we are able to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect (on microglia and astrocyte) and neuroprotective properties (on oligodendrocytes and neurons) in vivo in many experimental models of neurological pathologies.


Responsable