Resources
Authors & Affiliations
Izaskun Itxaso, Tina Loeffler, Irene Schilcher, Magdalena Daurer, Stefanie Flunkert, Boris Philippe Chagnaud, Manuela Prokesch
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a physiological response marked by immune cell activation and the release of inflammatory markers within the central nervous system. While it plays a pivotal protective role, when dysregulated it is also implicated in various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer disease. Brain organoids, self-organized three-dimensional (3D) aggregates derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), have emerged as a novel model to study brain development and disease. This study focuses on the development of a cerebral organoid model of neuroinflammation using pro and anti-inflammatory agents. Cerebral organoids from iPSCs were cultivated resulting in successful neural and astrocyte differentiation by day 44 in vitro. Subsequently, organoids were treated for 24 hours with the pro-inflammatory pre-aggregated Abeta 1-42 or LPS and the anti-inflammatory agent dexamethasone. Analysis of cytokine release using automated immunosorbent assays revealed an amplified release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in cerebral organoids treated with Abeta1-42 or LPS and decreased cytokine release levels in organoids treated with dexamethasone when compared to vehicle-treated organoids. Neuroinflammatory response was further confirmed by automated western blot (WES) and immunofluorescent staining of NLRP3 and GFAP on organoids. In conclusion, cerebral organoids, as a reproducible 3D in vitro model, provide a valuable platform to investigate neuroinflammation. The system is particularly suited for drug screening and exploring potential therapeutic interventions within a physiologically relevant environment.