Microglia emerge from erythromyeloid precursors via Pu.1- and Irf8-dependent pathways

Abstract summary

Demonstrated definitively that adult brain microglia originate from yolk sac erythromyeloid precursors, not from bone marrow monocyte precursors. Used fate-mapping approaches to track microglial origin. Established the unique ontogenetic identity of microglia distinct from other tissue macrophages.

Evidence labels

Therapeutic relevance

Established microglial ontogenetic uniqueness, explaining why targeting microglia requires approaches distinct from peripheral macrophage manipulation.