Last reviewed: June 1, 2026

2016Cell

TREM2 sustains microglial expansion and plaque containment in Alzheimer's disease

Wang Y, Ulland TK, Ulrich JD, Song W, et al.

Abstract summary

Demonstrated that TREM2 deficiency impairs microglial proliferation and metabolic fitness in response to amyloid plaques. TREM2-deficient microglia fail to surround and compact plaques, leading to increased plaque-associated neuritic dystrophy. TREM2 was shown to drive the transition from homeostatic to disease-associated microglial states.

Evidence labels

animal modelsingle-cell RNA-seq

Targets

Diseases

  • Alzheimer's disease

Species

mouse

Methods

flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNA-seq

Therapeutic relevance

Established that TREM2 activity supports protective microglial barrier function around amyloid plaques, the mechanistic basis for TREM2 agonist approaches.

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026