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

LU Min; WEI Hua

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0632

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (11) : 1246-1251. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0632

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

LU Min, WEI Hua

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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.

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autism spectrum disorder / neuroimmunity / microglia / triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 / therapeutic target

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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 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0632

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