In Vitro Microglial Function Assay Services for Stroke Drug Discovery & Development

Introduction to the Microglial Activation in Stroke

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that continuously monitor and respond to changes in brain homeostasis and specific signaling molecules expressed or released by neighboring cells. Ischemic stroke induces rapid microglia activation, with M1 microglia secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines and exacerbating neuronal damage, while the M2 microglia phenotype promotes a reparative anti-inflammatory response. The degree of microglia activation correlated with the degree of ischemia. It remains unclear as to whether activated microglia are beneficial or detrimental to post-stroke recovery.

Fig. 1. The role of microglial activation on ischemic stroke. (Dordoe et al., 2023)

Custom Microglial Function Assays Services

Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive microglia function assay services to characterize the effects of stroke drugs on microglia. Using in vitro cultures of immortalized microglia cell lines, primary isolated cell cultures from rodents or macaques, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia-like cells, we can generate reproducible, reliable, and quantifiable data on microglia function for our clients.

Our microglia function assay service can be used to probe the activation status of isolated microglia in stroke animals and to screen for stroke drugs that enhance or restore microglial phagocytosis, activation, and migration.

Microglia Phagocytosis Assay

We use microglia isolated from adult mice and preincubated with stroke drugs. Target materials (proteins, β-amyloid, α-synuclein or dead cells, customizable) are labeled and applied to cultured microglia, which are then activated with LPS or IFN-γ. Our team of experts dynamically monitors phagocytosis and analyzes uptake rates in real time over 24 hours.

Microglia Inflammasome Activation Assay

Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia has been implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke. Ace Therapeutics offers in vitro microglial inflammasome activation assay to assess the selectivity and efficacy of stroke drugs on inflammasomes.

Microglial Cytokine and Chemokine Assay

We offer a variety of techniques to measure cytokines and chemokines in activated microglia in vitro, including antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), chemiluminescent arrays, electrochemiluminescence arrays, and flow cytometry. We collect supernatants after incubating microglia with stroke drugs to assess treatment efficacy.

Our Advantages

• We have a team of experienced experts who are well-versed in microglia biology and stroke pathophysiology.
• We utilize advanced technologies and methods to isolate, culture, and analyze microglia to ensure high-quality data and reproducibility.
• Whether we are screening for novel stroke therapies or investigating mechanistic pathways, we adapt our assays accordingly to meet our client's needs.
• By offering a suite of functional assays that target different aspects of microglia function, we provide a comprehensive platform for stroke drug discovery.

Ace Therapeutics proudly provides satisfied and highly customizable microglia assays to clients worldwide to help them understand the mechanism of their stroke drug candidates and screen stroke drugs that can be used to enhance microglial function, thereby reducing the cost and risk of early drug discovery. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

1. Dordoe, C., et al. (2023). The role of microglial activation on ischemic stroke: modulation by fibroblast growth factors. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews.