Recent laboratory and gene sequencing data suggest that variations in receptors called the "triggering-receptors-expressed-on-myeloid-cells" (TREMs) are implicated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. TREM receptors are thought to play a critical role in regulating the immune system, inflammation, and certain cellular functions. One TREM, in particular, TREM2, is highly expressed on cells of the myeloid lineage. The binding of TREM2 to the adapter protein, DNAX activating protein of 12 kD (DAP12), in microglial cells has been shown to modulate phagocytosis within the nervous system. This review highlights the role of TREM2 in neurological diseases. Moreover, here we consider potential contributions of TREM2 and mechanisms underlying TREM2 activity as contributing to neurodegeneration. These findings may provide novel insights and opportunities to consider, especially for clinicians, as they diagnose and treat certain neurological diseases.
Keywords: DAP12; TREM2; microglia; neurological diseases.