Last reviewed: June 1, 2026
2019Cell Reports
The major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease: age, sex, and genes modulate the microglia response to Abeta plaques
Sala Frigerio C, Wolfs L, Fattorelli N, Thrupp N, Voytyuk I, Schmidt I, et al.
Abstract summary
Single-cell RNA-seq of human AD and control brains revealed microglial heterogeneity modulated by age, sex, and TREM2/APOE genotype. Identified human microglial sub-states not present in mouse models, including a population characterized by high MHC-II expression. Demonstrated that genetic risk factors directly shape microglial transcriptional states.
Evidence labels
single-cell RNA-seqhuman tissue
Diseases
- Alzheimer's disease
Species
human
Methods
single-cell RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry
Therapeutic relevance
Reveals sex- and age-dependent microglial states that may explain variable treatment responses and inform precision medicine in AD.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026