Visualising the Knowledge Structure of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: A CiteSpace Analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health burden, yet effective therapies remain elusive. Microglia-the brain's resident immune cells-have emerged as key players in AD, capable of both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. To elucidate research progress and gaps, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of global studies on "microglia and AD" from 2010 to 2025, highlighting advances beyond prior reviews.

Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for relevant publications (2010-2025). After screening and deduplication, 12,275 records were analysed with CiteSpace 6.2.R4 to generate co-citation networks, keyword clusters, citation-burst timelines, and collaboration maps at national, institutional, and author levels.

Results: Annual output rose markedly, peaking in 2022. The United States and China led the field; Harvard University, the University of California System, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most prolific institutions. Influential authors included Holtzman, Heneka, Zetterberg, and Colonna. Co-citation analysis revealed three dominant knowledge clusters: microglial activation, TREM2-mediated immune responses, and neuroinflammation. Keyword evolution showed growing attention to TREM2 variants, NLRP3 inflammasome, single-cell omics, and novel imaging techniques, reflecting a shift toward microglial heterogeneity and translational research.

Conclusion: Microglia occupy a central position in AD pathogenesis through intertwined molecular pathways and dynamic functional states. Future work should refine subtype-specific roles, integrate peripheral-central immune interactions, and accelerate the translation of mechanistic insights into targeted interventions. This bibliometric overview maps collaboration patterns and emerging themes, providing a strategic guide for researchers aiming to advance microglia-focused AD therapeutics.