TREM2 in neurodegeneration and diseases

Altaf A Abdulkhaliq1, Glowi Alasiri2, Bonglee Kim3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Molecular Psychiatry
|March 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is vital for brain health, regulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Understanding TREM2 function offers new therapeutic avenues.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a key microglial receptor in the central nervous system.
  • TREM2 signaling influences neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, critical processes in neurological disorders.
  • Its role is particularly significant in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role and mechanistic implications of TREM2 in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
  • To focus specifically on the involvement of TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
  • To highlight recent preclinical advancements and support researchers and clinicians.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies on TREM2.
  • Analysis of TREM2's downstream signaling pathways.
  • Examination of TREM2's transcriptional regulation of genes involved in neurodegeneration.

Main Results:

  • TREM2 signaling is a critical regulator of microglial function in the CNS.
  • Dysregulation of TREM2 is implicated in the pathophysiology of AD and PD.
  • Recent preclinical studies reveal novel insights into TREM2's mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • TREM2 plays a pivotal role in microglial responses to neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Targeting TREM2 pathways holds potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AD and PD.
  • Further research into TREM2 function is essential for advancing neurodegenerative disease treatment.

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