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Published on: July 16, 2014

Decoding of the Role of TREM2 in Neuropathic Pain: Molecular Pathway and Neuroinflammatory Mechanism

Nithya Vijayan1, Punniyakoti Veeraveedu Thanikachalam2, Saraswati Patel1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, India.

Drug Development Research
|June 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) influences neuropathic pain by regulating microglia activation and neuroinflammation. Targeting TREM2 signaling offers potential for novel chronic pain management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition often resistant to standard treatments.
  • Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, are increasingly recognized for their role in pain modulation via neuroinflammation.
  • The TREM2-DAP12 pathway is critical for regulating microglial function and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of TREM2 in neuropathic pain.
  • To explore TREM2's role in microglial activation, cytokine release, oxidative stress, and neuronal sensitization.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TREM2 for neuropathic pain.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on TREM2 signaling in neuropathic pain models.
  • Analysis of studies investigating microglial activation and neuroinflammatory mediators.
  • Examination of research on TREM2's impact on neuronal function and pain signaling.

Main Results:

  • TREM2 signaling is a key regulator of microglial activation in neuropathic pain.
  • TREM2 influences the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers.
  • Dysregulation of TREM2 contributes to neuronal sensitization and heightened pain perception.

Conclusions:

  • TREM2 plays a significant role in the neuroinflammatory processes underlying neuropathic pain.
  • Targeting TREM2-DAP12 signaling presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing chronic pain.
  • Further research into TREM2 pathways could yield novel interventions for neuropathic pain.
Keywords:
TREM2chronic paininflammationmyeloid cellsneuropathic pain

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