The role of microglia glucose metabolism reprogramming in Alzheimer's disease treatment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, and there remains a lack of effective treatments capable of reversing or significantly slowing disease progression. Accumulating evidence indicates that the immune function of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, is a critical factor in regulating AD pathogenesis. Emerging research in immunometabolism further reveals that glucose metabolic reprogramming serves as a central driver of microglial phenotypic and functional differentiation. This review systematically outlines the fundamental characteristics of microglial glucose metabolism and focuses on how the dynamic metabolic reprogramming it undergoes during AD progression regulates microglial immune behavior and inflammatory responses. Building on this, we further summarize key regulatory targets within the "metabolism-immune axis" and corresponding pharmacological intervention strategies. Finally, this article discusses current challenges and future research directions in the field of microglial immunometabolism. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for AD intervention strategies targeting the "metabolism-immune axis" and to offer insights for the development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.