Microglia Polarization: A Key Regulatory Mechanism of Neuropathic Pain

Tianrui Zhang,1– 4 Wulin Liang,5 Jie Gao,1– 4 Huan Liu,1– 4 Jianhua Li,1– 4 Jianhua Chen,1– 4 Yuhao Wang,1– 4 Jianguo Li4 1Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Toxicology and Preclinical Research of Radiopharmaceuticals, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Radiotoxicology and Preclinical Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China; 3National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China; 4Institute of Radiology and Environmental Medicine, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China; 5Leiyunshang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Suzhou, Nanjing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jianguo Li, Institute of Radiology and Environmental Medicine, China Institute for Radiation Protection, No. 102, Xuefu Street, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0351-2202231, Email LJG2547@163.comAbstract: Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain syndrome resulting from damage or dysfunction to the somatosensory nervous system, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Microglia play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, particularly through their polarization mechanisms. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms underlying microglial polarization in neuropathic pain, the associated signaling pathways, pharmacological agents that modulate microglial polarization, and intervention strategies targeting neuropathic pain. We emphasize the intrinsic link between microglial polarization and neuropathic pain, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets and provide a scientific basis for drug development and preclinical research in the treatment of neuropathic pain.Keywords: neuropathic pain, microglia, polarization