Pink Skies

a year ago

ISTA researchers developed a new brain organoid model incorporating microglia to study the nervous system's response to viral infections like Rubella.
Microglia play a crucial role in brain health by monitoring neurons and initiating anti-inflammatory responses to infections.
The new organoid model mimics inflammatory reactions and their treatment, providing insights into neurodevelopmental defects caused by infections.
Rubella, part of TORCH-infections, can cause severe fetal brain malformations if contracted during pregnancy.
The study used retinal organoids to replicate early fetal brain development and included microglia for the first time.
Viral infection simulations showed microglia-induced inflammation leads to excess neuron division, potentially disrupting brain development.
Ibuprofen was tested in the model and found to reduce inflammation and restore normal neuron environments, but only in the presence of microglia.
The findings highlight the importance of including microglia in brain organoid models for accurate drug testing and research, especially for pregnant women.

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