Microglia-Mediated Neuroprotection, TREM2, and Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence From Optical Imaging.

ABSTRACT: Recent genetic studies have provided overwhelming evidence of the involvement of microglia-related molecular networks in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise mechanisms by which microglia alter the course of AD neuropathology remain poorly understood. Here we discuss current evidence of the neuroprotective functions of microglia with a focus on optical imaging studies that have revealed a role of these cells in the encapsulation of amyloid deposits ("microglia barrier"). This barrier modulates the degree of plaque compaction, amyloid fibril surface area, and insulation from adjacent axons thereby reducing neurotoxicity. We discuss findings implicating genetic variants of the microglia receptor, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, in the increa

SUBMITTER: Condello C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5767550 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature