Microglia are embryonically-derived cells that self-maintain throughout life and exhibit a striking self-renewal capacity. Therefore, these cells form an attractive target for cell therapy. Our goal is to pioneer new macrophage-based cell therapies for treating neurological disease. More specifically, we are developing strategies for replacing embryonic microglia with transplanted gene-engineered counterparts. This holds the potential to introduce a completely new treatment paradigm for a myriad of disorders, ranging from metabolic disease to neurodegeneration. Prof. Movahedi also received an ERC consolidator grant on this topic, which started in 2023.