OH MYeloid! Immune cells wreaking havoc on brain homeostasis

Abstract

Genetic mutations responsible for neurodegenerative Nasu-Hakola disease have been localized to the gene TREM2 and its adaptor DAP12, but it remained unclear what causes the brain to deteriorate. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Kleinberger et al (2017) provide intriguing evidence suggesting a TREM2 mutation alone can lead to striking microglial dysfunction and precipitate changes in cerebral blood flow and metabolism in mice. © 2017 EMBO.