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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: December 26, 2016
Visualising the Knowledge Structure of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: A CiteSpace Analysis
Qi Wang1, Xiuchu Zhang2, Delong Wang3
1Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health burden, yet effective therapies remain elusive. Microglia-the brain's resident immune cells-have emerged as key players in AD, capable of both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. To elucidate research progress and gaps, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of global studies on "microglia and AD" from 2010 to 2025, highlighting advances beyond prior reviews.
Methods:
We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for relevant publications (2010-2025). After screening and deduplication, 12,275 records were analysed with CiteSpace 6.2.R4 to generate co-citation networks, keyword clusters, citation-burst timelines, and collaboration maps at national, institutional, and author levels.
Results:
Annual output rose markedly, peaking in 2022. The United States and China led the field; Harvard University, the University of California System, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most prolific institutions. Influential authors included Holtzman, Heneka, Zetterberg, and Colonna. Co-citation analysis revealed three dominant knowledge clusters: microglial activation, TREM2-mediated immune responses, and neuroinflammation. Keyword evolution showed growing attention to TREM2 variants, NLRP3 inflammasome, single-cell omics, and novel imaging techniques, reflecting a shift toward microglial heterogeneity and translational research.
Conclusion:
Microglia occupy a central position in AD pathogenesis through intertwined molecular pathways and dynamic functional states. Future work should refine subtype-specific roles, integrate peripheral-central immune interactions, and accelerate the translation of mechanistic insights into targeted interventions. This bibliometric overview maps collaboration patterns and emerging themes, providing a strategic guide for researchers aiming to advance microglia-focused AD therapeutics.
Insights
This bibliometric analysis maps global research on microglia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It highlights key themes like TREM2 and neuroinflammation, guiding future AD therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant global health challenge with limited effective treatments.
- Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a dual role in AD pathogenesis, exhibiting both neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bibliometric analysis of global research on "microglia and AD" from 2010 to 2025.
- To identify research progress, knowledge gaps, and emerging trends in the field.
- To provide a strategic overview for advancing microglia-focused AD therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Web of Science Core Collection for publications between 2010 and 2025.
- Analyzed 12,275 records using CiteSpace 6.2.R4 for co-citation networks, keyword clusters, and collaboration maps.
- Examined national, institutional, and author-level collaboration patterns.
Main Results:
- Annual publication output increased significantly, peaking in 2022, with the United States and China as leading contributors.
- Key research clusters identified include microglial activation, TREM2-mediated immune responses, and neuroinflammation.
- Emerging themes include TREM2 variants, NLRP3 inflammasome, single-cell omics, and advanced imaging, indicating a focus on microglial heterogeneity and translational research.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are central to AD pathogenesis via complex molecular pathways and dynamic states.
- Future research should focus on subtype-specific microglial roles, peripheral-central immune interactions, and translating findings into interventions.
- This bibliometric analysis offers a roadmap for researchers developing novel AD therapies targeting microglia.
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