Confocal live cell images of microglia in 3D cell culture from the dissertation ' 3D culture conditions instruct an in vivo-like phenotype in primary microgia'

Microglia are innate immune cells of the central nervous system. They possess a diverse range of morphological features that enable them to perform different functions, such as surveillance, phagocytosis and immune response. In response to changes in physiological conditions within the CNS, microglia actively alter their shape in order to maintain brain homeostasis.
Previous studies on the morphology and function of microglia have been conducted in 2D cell culture systems, which have been associated with an artificial morphology in microglia and altered microglial functions. Consequently, there is an increasing imperative to develop 3D cell culture systems that can more accurately replicate the complex microenvironment of the brain. The present study aims to investigate the impact of defined 3D cell culture conditions on gene expression, morphology, cell motility, innate immune response, and electrophysiological properties of cultured primary murine microglia.
To this end, live cell confocal microscopy imaging was employed to visualise microglia within a 3D cell culture environment, thereby enabling the study of their motility, morphology and phagocytosis.The findings of this study demonstrate that microglia develop a more in vivo-like morphology and surveillance motility when cultured under 3D compared to 2D conditions.