Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation Through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling Causes Cognitive Dysfunction

Microglia, as the immune guardians of the central nervous system (CNS), have the ability to maintain neural homeostasis, respond to environmental changes, and remodel the synaptic landscape. However, persistent microglial activation can lead to chronic neuroinflammation, which can alter neuronal signaling pathways, resulting in accelerated cognitive decline. Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has emerged as a critical driver, connecting inflammation to neurodegeneration, serving as the nexus of numerous intracellular processes that govern microglial activation. This review focuses on the relationship between PI3K signaling and microglial activation, which might lead to cognitive impairment, inflammation, or even neurodegeneration. The review delves into the components of the PI3K signaling cascade, isoforms, and receptors of PI3K, as well as the downstream effects of PI3K signaling, including its effectors such as protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Experiments have shown that the overproduction of certain cytokines, coupled with abnormal oxidative stress, is a consequence of poor PI3K regulation, resulting in excessive synapse pruning and, consequently, impacting learning and memory functions. The review also highlights the implications of autonomously activated microglia exhibiting M1/M2 polarization driven by PI3K on hippocampal, cortical, and subcortical circuits. Conclusions from behavioral studies, electrophysiology, and neuroimaging linking cognitive performance and PI3K activity were evaluated, along with new approaches to therapy using selective inhibitors or gene editing. The review concludes by highlighting important knowledge gaps, including the specific effects of different isoforms, the risks associated with long-term pathway modulation, and the limitations of translational potential, underscoring the crucial role of PI3K in mitigating cognitive impairment driven by neuroinflammation.