Last reviewed: June 1, 2026

2018Cell

The microglia universe

Deczkowska A, Keren-Shaul H, Weiner A, Colonna M, Schwartz M, Amit I

Abstract summary

Comprehensive review of microglial states including homeostatic microglia, disease-associated microglia (DAM), and other reactive states across neurological diseases. Synthesized single-cell transcriptomic data to propose a unified framework of microglial reactivity. Highlighted DAM as a neuroprotective response requiring TREM2 signaling.

Evidence labels

review articlesingle-cell RNA-seq

Targets

Diseases

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Multiple sclerosis

Species

mouse, human

Methods

review, single-cell RNA-seq re-analysis

Therapeutic relevance

Established conceptual framework for microglial state targeting across neurodegenerative diseases.

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026