Research progress on microglia and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 in autism spectrum disorder

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0632

Abstract

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the interaction between genetic and environmental factors plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis.In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the role of neuroimmune alterations in the mechanism underlying ASD. Microglia, the immune cells in the central nervous system, have been implicated closely with ASD through numerous studies, which suggest an abnormal activation of microglia. The construction of neural networks and synaptic extension in ASD are also associated with the interactions between microglia and neurons. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), specifically expressed on microglia in the central nervous system, regulates microglia activation and function through multiple signaling pathways. It is recognized as a major pathologically induced immune signaling transduction hub in various neurodevelopmental disorders and represents a novel therapeutic target. Recent studies indicate that TREM2 may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of ASD, although the specific mechanisms await further investigation. This article integrates domestic and international research progress to elucidate thecorrelation of microglia and TREM2 with the occurrence and development of ASD, as well as their possible mechanisms. Additionally, it discusses the potential of these factors as new therapeutic targets for ASD.

Key words: autism spectrum disorder, neuroimmunity, microglia, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, therapeutic target

摘要： 孤独症谱系障碍(ASD)是一种神经发育障碍性疾病,遗传和环境的相互作用在ASD的发病中起关键作用。近年来,越来越多的研究聚焦于神经免疫的改变在ASD发病机制中的作用。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统中的免疫细胞,许多研究表明小胶质细胞的异常激活与ASD密切相关,ASD神经网络的建构与突触延伸链接也均与小胶质细胞和神经元之间的相互作用关联。髓样细胞触发受体2(TREM2)在中枢神经系统中特异表达于小胶质细胞上,可以通过多条信号通路调节小胶质细胞的激活与活化,被认为是多种神经发育障碍疾病的主要的病理诱导的免疫信号转导枢纽,也是治疗的新靶点。近几年研究显示TREM2可能参与ASD的发生发展,但具体机制有待进一步研究,本文结合国内外研究进展对小胶质细胞及TREM2与ASD发生发展的关系及可能机制进行阐述,同时探讨其作为ASD治疗新靶点的可能性。

关键词: 孤独症谱系障碍, 神经免疫, 小胶质细胞, 髓样细胞触发受体2, 治疗靶点

CLC Number:

R749.97

LU Min, WEI Hua. Research progress on microglia and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 in autism spectrum disorder[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care, 2025, 33(11): 1246-1251.

卢敏, 魏华. 小胶质细胞及髓样细胞触发受体2在孤独症谱系障碍中的研究进展[J]. 中国儿童保健杂志, 2025, 33(11): 1246-1251.

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