Induced pluripotent stem cell treatment for microglia replacement in progressive MS.

Abstract

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a novel approach to target microglia, key drivers of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. A promising therapeutic strategy involves depleting resident microglia using colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitors, followed by differentiating iPSCs into microglia in vitro and transplanting them into the central nervous system (CNS). However, no studies have yet specifically examined iPSC-derived microglial replacement in MS.

Objectives: This review evaluates the feasibility of replacing pathogenic microglia in MS with iPSC-derived microglia.

Methods: A systematic literature search identified studies on microglial depletion, iPSC differentiation into microglia, and transplantation, as well as reports involving other MS-relevant neural cell types.

Results: Direct studies on iPSC-derived microglia transplantation in MS are currently lacking; however, several preclinical investigations using iPSC-derived neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in animal models demonstrate robust engraftment, targeted migration to demyelinated lesions, reduced inflammation, enhanced remyelination, and significant functional recovery in vivo. These findings, besides microglia-specific transplantation, depletion, and repopulation studies in other disease contexts, support the biological plausibility of iPSC-based CNS cell replacement and inform future microglial transplantation research.

Conclusion: Replacing pathogenic microglia with iPSC-derived counterparts represents an emerging therapeutic avenue for progressive MS. Rigorous preclinical studies are needed to confirm safety, optimize transplantation, and evaluate long-term efficacy.