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Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain
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TREM2 and Pain Development: An Old Molecule, a New Target
Zhenzhen Fan1, Chenshu Huang2, Xu Li2
1Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|August 22, 2025
Summary
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) plays a dual role in chronic pain by modulating microglial immune responses. Understanding TREM2
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic pain involves complex neuroimmune interactions, with microglia playing a key role in pain modulation.
- Gaps exist in understanding the transition from acute to chronic pain, microglial changes, and pain resolution.
- Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is crucial for microglial function and neuroimmune balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of TREM2 in various pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, CIPN, inflammatory pain, and migraine.
- To elucidate TREM2's contribution to microglial activation and its impact on pain signaling.
- To highlight TREM2 as a potential therapeutic target for novel analgesic drug development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of TREM2's function in pain pathways.
- Analysis of TREM2's role in modulating microglial phenotype and inflammatory responses.
- Exploration of TREM2's involvement in different pain models and clinical conditions.
Main Results:
- TREM2 dynamically regulates pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals, influencing pain perception.
- TREM2 modulates complement system, phagocytosis, and lipid metabolism, impacting microglial activity in pain.
- TREM2's specific mechanisms, spatiotemporal dynamics, and gender-specific effects in pain require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- TREM2 is a critical regulator of neuroinflammation in chronic pain states.
- Further research into TREM2 signaling pathways is essential for developing targeted analgesics.
- Addressing knowledge gaps in TREM2 function will bridge basic science and clinical applications for pain management.
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