Last reviewed: June 1, 2026

2017Immunity

APOE and TREM2 regulate the disease-associated microglial response in Alzheimer's disease

Krasemann S, Madore C, Cialic R, Baufeld C, Calcagno N, El Fatimy R, et al.

Abstract summary

Identified a microglial state regulatory axis in which TREM2 signaling via APOE drives the transition from homeostatic to disease-associated microglia (DAM). Blocking APOE or TREM2 impairs the DAM response. This work established TREM2-APOE as the central signaling axis for disease-associated microglial activation.

Evidence labels

single-cell RNA-seqanimal modelhuman tissue

Targets

Diseases

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Species

mouse, human

Methods

single-cell RNA-seq, flow cytometry, mouse genetics

Therapeutic relevance

Defines TREM2-APOE axis as mechanistic basis for disease-associated microglial states across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026