SeminarPast EventImmunology

Of glia and macrophages, signaling hubs in development and homeostasis

Schedule
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
15:00 UTC
Angela Giangrande

IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104 - Inserm U 1258, Illkirch, France

Host: NeuroLeman Network

Event Information

Host

NeuroLeman Network

Duration

70 minutes

Abstract

We are interested in the biology of macrophages, which represent the first line of defense against pathogens. In Drosophila, the embryonic hemocytes arise from the mesoderm whereas glial cells arise from multipotent precursors in the neurogenic region. These cell types represent, respectively, the macrophages located outside and within the nervous system (similar to vertebrate microglia). Thus, despite their different origin, hemocytes and glia display common functions. In addition, both cell types express the Glide/Gcm transcription factor, which plays an evolutionarily conserved role as an anti-inflammatory factor. Moreover, embryonic hemocytes play an evolutionarily conserved and fundamental role in development. The ability to migrate and to contact different tissues/organs most likely allow macrophages to function as signaling hubs. The function of macrophages beyond the recognition of the non-self calls for revisiting the biology of these heterogeneous and plastic cells in physiological and pathological conditions across evolution.

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