Effects of Trem2 depletion on gene expressions in a mouse photothrombotic stroke model

Ischemic stroke is a major threat to public health. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a double-edged sword for neuronal survival after stroke. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) is specifically expressed on the surface of myeloid cell, including microglia. Here, we applied a photothrombotic mouse model of stroke to better understand the role of Trem2 in post-stroke neuroinflammation. In this model, Trem2 was sufficiently induced with sustainably elevated inflammatory responses. Our results demonstrated that Trem2-depletion can ameliorate ischemic injury with enhanced neuronal survival, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved neurological functions. Our results suggested that Trem2 depletion is neuroprotective during ischemic stroke.