Session 3: Myeloid cells

Evaluation link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/June22Session3

Moderator: Dr. Steve Lacroix

8:30  Macrophages and neutrophils: A brief introduction of these cells - Dr. Marc Pouliot (15 min)
Introduction to neutrophils and macrophages: origins and functions

8:45 Introduction to Microglia - Dr. David Gosselin (30 min)
As resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), microglia are critical immune effectors of inflammatory lesions and associated neural dysfunctions. In multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal models, chronic microglial inflammatory activity damages myelin and disrupts axonal and synaptic activity. In contrast to these detrimental effects, the potent phagocytic and tissue-remodeling capabilities of microglia support critical endogenous repair mechanisms. Although these opposing capabilities have long been appreciated, a precise understanding of the underlying molecular effectors is only beginning to emerge. As part of my talk, we will review recent advances in our understanding of the roles of microglia in animal models of MS and demyelinating lesions and the mechanisms that underlie their damaging or repairing activities.

9:15 Treatment to block myeloid cells, microglia and cytokines - Dr. Steve Lacroix (30 min)
The presentation will cover the recent literature on transgenic mouse models enabling us to specifically identify microglia from MDMs and follow their individual fate, as well as discuss studies that led to discovering active compounds to deplete these cells or block some of their functions.