Description
Build high-quality neurodegenerative disease models in 7 days.
Ensure confidence in your neural workflow with high-quality axoCellsTM microglia differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Derived from consenting donor fibroblasts, we’ve specifically designed our production method to equip you with physiologically relevant cells, by mimicking the in vivo pathway of development for brain-resident macrophages.
With Axol, you can rely on physiologically relevant microglia that express the three key markers (IBA1, TMEM119, and P2RY12) and demonstrate robust functional activity, measured by cytokine release, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis. With our microglia, you can build robust mono- and co-culture models to investigate neurological diseases and drug discovery.
Supporting quality and consistency
Confidently carry out your neural workflow with iPSCs manufactured in our ISO:9001-accredited production facility, guided by our rigorous quality control procedures and decades of scientific experience. All cells come with a full Certificate of Analysis and are officially certified by HPSCreg®, to ensure ethical and biological conformity for your peace of mind.
Join our customer base of top ten biopharma and academic institutions in building robust, physiologically relevant disease models for research and drug discovery.
How to get highly functional axoCells microglia
To ensure simplicity and effectiveness, we’ve developed a kit containing iPSC-derived cells that have been directed down a microglia end-type lineage. Using the easy-to-follow protocol, you can rapidly mature these cells into functional microglia in just 7 days.
- You’ll need a Microglia kit ax0679and Surebond-XF ax0053
- In this you’ll find Microglia cells ax0664 and all reagents*
- Follow the protocol
- 7 days later you will have highly functional microglia
*Additional third party components are required. Be sure to check the protocol before you start using the microglia kit.
axoCells microglia – cells
| Donor gender | Donor age | Source | Condition | Product code | Cells/vials | |
| Male | 40-50 yr | Fibroblasts | Healthy | ax0664 | ≥1 million |
Need a quote for this single product or for the whole cell + media + reagent kit? We’re here to help! Click the button below or send an email to operations@axolbio.com
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Product Highlights
- High-quality, relevant microglia that express the three key markers (IBA–1, TMEM119 and P2RY12) and demonstrate robust functional activity measured by cytokine release, phagocytosis and chemotaxis
- Save time with functionally mature cells available in just 7 days
- Ensure confidence with high-quality cells manufactured in our ISO:9001-accredited production facility under rigorous quality control procedures
- Designed for use in mono-, co- and tri-culture models
- Used by leading Biopharma and academic institutions around the world to fuel robust neurodegenerative disease models and for drug discovery
Our axoCells microglia express the three key markers (IBA–1, TMEM119 and P2RY12) and demonstrate robust functional activity measured by cytokine release, phagocytosis and chemotaxis.
Click on the arrow next to the Data section to learn more.
Phenotypic characterization: Morphology
axoCells iPSC-derived microglia demonstrate appropriate morphology, with variable phenotypes demonstrating different populations of microglial subtype.
Cryopreserved axoCells microglia (ax0664) were thawed and matured for 7 days on Surebond XF + concanavalin A.
Phenotypic characterization: ICC
axoCells microglia have been extensively characterized for expression the key markers Iba1, TMEM119, CX3CR1 and P2RY12.
axoCells iPSC-derived microglia were thawed and matured for 7 days. Cells were fixed and stained for the relevant markers and imaged using a Leica microscope. Key microglia markers Iba1, TMEM119, CX3CR1 and P2RY12 were used as standard quality control. Red: marker of interest, Blue: DAPI (neuronal marker)
Phenotypic characterization: Flow Cytometry
As part of our rigorous QC, we include flow cytometry as standard to demonstrate committal down the myeloid lineage, with SSEA4 (a marker of immaturity) as a negative control.
Flow cytometry QC for fresh macrophage progenitors (monocytes). Progenitor cells from all batches undergo QC for a standard panel of markers.
Functional relevance: Cytokine release
As part of our suite of functional assays, we have extensively characterized our cytokine release assay to demonstrate the functional relevance of axoCells microglia.
A) This graph demonstrates increasing response to LPS with expected relationship. B) Functional relevance demonstrated by cytokine release in response to variable stimulation.
A) IL6 release in fresh iPSC-derived microglia following 24 h stimulation with LPS concentration curve (n=3). B) Cytokine release from iPSC-derived microglia following 24 h stimulation with LPS, INFy or both (n=3). UNS= unstimulated.
Functional relevance: High-throughput cytokine release assay
As part of our functional characterization, we are able to conduct high-throughput cytokine release assays with a comprehensive cytokine panel using O-link Technology.
This data represents expected cytokine release in response to pro-inflammatory (LPS, INF-gamma) and anti-inflammatory (IL4) stimulation.
Cytokine release following microglia stimulation. Fresh microglia were matured for 7 days prior to stimulation by LPS, INFy or IL4 for 24h. Cell supernatant was collected and analysed by O-link technology. Table shows summary of how cytokine release was affected by each stimuli.
Functional relevance: Phagocytosis
We have extensively characterized our phagocytosis assay across a range of baits, meaning we are able to select appropriate baits based on experimental need. This includes disease-associated baits such as alpha-synuclein (important for Parkinson’s Disease modelling) and beta amyloid (relevant for Alzheimer’s Disease).
Other bait such as E. coli, zymosan beads, TAU and myelin basic protein, can be labelled and tested on request.
Phagocytosis of various pHrodo labelled bait by fresh iPSC derived microglia. Cells are matured for 7 days and phagocytosis performed by adding bait to the cells and monitoring update over time using an IncuCyte S3. S. aureus (ThermoFisher), iPSC-derived dead neurons (generated and labelled in house) and alpha-synuclein (labelled in house).
axoCells microglia were thawed and matured for 7 days before addition of pHrodo labelled bait. Myelin basic protein, beta-amyloid and S. aureus were added to the cells and phagocytosis monitored over 24h using an IncuCyte S3, showing a steady increase over time. Cytochalasin D (10uM) was used as a negative control, and showed complete inhibition of phagocytosis.
Phenotypic characterization: Chemotaxis
As part of our suite of functional assays, we have extensively characterized our chemotaxis assay for use in axoServices projects and compound screening. axoCells microglia demonstrate expected chemotactic response to physiological agents, demonstrating their functional relevance.
Chemotaxis by fresh iPSC-derived microglia to various concentrations of C5a. iPSC derived microglia were matured for 7 days before re-plating into chemotaxis plates. A range of concentrations of C5a were used as a chemoattractant and cell movement was measured using an IncuCyte S3. Values represent number of cells moving from the top chamber to the bottom, towards C5a, after 24h. Data are n=4 +/- SEM.
Comparison of healthy control and ALS-derived microglia
Microglia derived from axoLines disease iPSCs can be tested against healthy control cells in assay format, with measurable endpoints essential for effective disease modelling and compound screening. In this way, they can be incorporated into human-relevant models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and ALS.
Fresh iPSC derived microglia from healthy or ALS (C9orf72) background were matured for 7 days and phagocytosis of myelin basic protein (MBP) assessed. MBP was labelled with pHrodo dye and added to the cells. Phagocytosis was quantified using an IncuCyte S3 for up to 48h (A). B) shows data after 24h from addition of bait. A t-test was perfomed to assess any statistical significance between the cell lines * p<0.05.
Applications
Our axoCellsTM microglia have been specifically developed for use in in vitro disease modeling and drug discovery. As inflammation is linked to many neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and aging, microglia are becoming targets for treatments of these conditions.
Axol’s production method mimics the in vivo pathway of development for brain resident macrophages and produces cells that are functionally representative of primary human microglia in vitro. Our microglia have been used extensively in co- and tri-culture with Axol’s cortical excitatory neurons, astrocytes, and/or inhibitory interneurons to produce more relevant models of human diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Protocols
Protocols for incorporating microglia into co- and tri-culture with neurons are available as well as for microglia in monoculture.
Quality
We maintain or exceed industry-level quality with our ISO:9001-accredited production facility, guided by our rigorous quality control procedures and decades of scientific experience.
All cells come with a full Certificate of Analysis and are officially certified by HPSCreg®, to ensure ethical and biological conformity for your peace of mind.
Licenses & Consent
Axol has obtained all relevant licenses for reprogramming donor samples into iPSCs and differentiating these into microglia for commercial use.
Patient samples used to create these cells have been ethically sourced and consented for research and commercial use. All cells come with a full Certificate of Analysis and are officially certified by HPSCreg®, to ensure ethical and biological conformity for your peace of mind.
Raniga K et al, 2024. Strengthening cardiac therapy pipelines using human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. doi:10.1016/j.stem.2024.01.007.
Suzanne Edavettal, et al 2022. Enhanced delivery of antibodies across the blood-brain barrier via TEMs with inherent receptor-mediated phagocytosis, Med, Volume 3, Issue 12, 2022, Pages 860-882.e15, ISSN 2666-6340, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2022.09.007.
Timothy J. Sargeant, Célia Fourrier 2023. Human monocyte-derived microglia-like cell models: A review of the benefits, limitations and recommendations, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, Volume 107, 2023, Pages 98-109, ISSN 0889-1591, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.015.
McKee Chloe G., Hoffos Madison, Vecchiarelli Haley A., Tremblay Marie-Ève 2023. Microglia: A pharmacological target for the treatment of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology 14 2023. http://doi.org10.3389/fphar.2023.1125982
Media & Reagents
A ready to go kit containing microglia cells and optimized media is available Microglia Complete Cells and Media (ax0679) or media is available as a standalone item Microglia maintenance media kit (ax0660).
