Human microglia in brain assembloids display region-specific diversity and respond to hyperexcitable neurons carrying mutation: Microglial diversity and response in assembloids.

Microglia critically shape neuronal circuit development and function, yet their region-specific properties and roles in distinct circuits of the human brain remain poorly understood. In this study, we generated region-specific brain organoids (cortical, striatal, and midbrain), each integrated with human microglia, to fill this critical gap. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered six distinct microglial subtypes exhibiting unique regional signatures, including a subtype highly enriched for the GABA receptor gene within striatal organoids. To investigate the contributions of microglia to neural circuitry, we created microglia-incorporated midbrain-striatal assembloids, modeling a core circuit node for many neuropsychiatric disorders including autism. Using chemogenetics to activate this midbrain-striatal circuit, we observed increased calcium signaling in microglia involving GABA receptors. Leveraging this model, we examined microglial responses within neural circuits harboring an nonsense (C959X) mutation associated with profound autism. Remarkably, microglia displayed heightened calcium responses to mutation-mediated neuronal hyperactivity, and engaged in excessive synaptic pruning. These pathological effects were reversed by pharmacological inhibition of microglial GABA receptors. Collectively, our findings establish an advanced platform to dissect human neuroimmune interactions in sub-cortical regions, highlighting the important role of microglia in shaping critical circuitry related to neuropsychiatric disorders.