Lack of TSPO speeds up amyloid buildup and brain inflammation by reducing microglia’s ability to clear debris

TSPO expression was upregulated in brain tissues from Alzheimer's disease patients and model mice.

• Increased levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and Aβ plaques were observed in APP/PS1 mice lacking TSPO.
• TSPO-deficient microglia showed reduced ability to clear Aβ peptides and latex beads in vitro.
• Higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, were produced by TSPO-deficient microglia when exposed to Aβ peptides.
• The findings indicate that TSPO may play a protective role against neuroinflammation and Aβ-related pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
• TSPO could serve as a potential target for developing therapeutic or preventive drugs for neuroinflammatory diseases.

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