Research progress on diabetic encephalopathy and immune response

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a common complication in diabetic patients, closely linked to abnormal immune system responses that drive neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Studies indicate that immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and their associated pathological mechanisms play critical roles in causing neuronal damage and cognitive decline in DE. Here, to summarize the recent progress, 56 relevant articles published within the last decade were selected from a PubMed search using the keyword “immune response and diabetic encephalopathy.” A literature review was used to understand immune-related cells and mediators, immune processes, and therapeutic drugs targeting the immune system for DE treatment, so as to summarize the importance of immune system regulation in the pathogenesis of DE and potential therapeutic strategies and drug targets. Moreover, future research should focus on elucidating precise immune regulatory mechanisms to develop targeted treatments aimed at improving neurological function and quality of life in patients with DE.