Origin and dynamics of sensory neuron-associated macrophages (sNAMs)

• Grant number: 23/02849-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Mattar Cunha
• Grantee: Conceição Elidianne Aníbal Silva
• Supervisor: Philipp Henneke
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Freiburg, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/05446-0 - Origin, dynamics and transcriptional profile of dorsal root ganglion and sciatic nerve macrophages in homeostasis and during neuropathic pain, BP.DD

Abstract

Macrophages serve multiple functions including immune regulation, tissue homeostasis, and morphogenesis. These myeloid cells are a diverse group of cells that represent an important population located at strategic points and borders between the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). In the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the trigeminal ganglion, which contain the cell bodies of primary sensory neurons, a population of resident macrophages has been described. These sensory neuron-associated macrophages (sNAMs) seem to play an essential role in physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as nerve degeneration/regeneration and chronic neuropathic pain. Although the origin of microglia and other resident macrophage populations of the PNS has been elucidated, limited is known about the precursors, origin, and dynamics of sNAMs in the DRG. Here we will evaluate the possible contribution of hematopoietic precursors during embryonic development to the resident macrophage pool. By using fate-mapping approaches in mice and complementary techniques, we will evaluate the origin of sNAMs, i.e. if they derive from early precursors from the yolk-sac (YS), fetal liver or the hematopoietic compartment. We additionally propose to investigate the fate of sNAMs in a peripheral viral infection model with Herpes simplex virus 1 and a sterile model of peripheral nerve injury. (AU)