Recent studies have highlighted the complex roles of microglia in Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly their spatial heterogeneity and functional states. Ardura-Fabregat et al. demonstrated that distinct microglial states exhibit varying chromatin accessibility and contribute differently to AD pathology, suggesting potential therapeutic targets (ref: Ardura-Fabregat doi.org/10.1038/s41593-025-02006-0/). Mrdjen et al. expanded on this by employing multiplexed ion beam imaging to reveal a spectrum of microglial proteomic profiles in human brains, emphasizing the limitations of rodent models in capturing human-specific microglial states (ref: Mrdjen doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02203-w/). Zhu et al. identified the G-protein-coupled receptor ADGRG1 as a driver of a protective microglial state through MYC activation, further elucidating the genetic underpinnings of microglial responses in AD (ref: Zhu doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2025.06.020/). D'Oliveira Albanus et al. explored the neuron-microglia cross-talk mediated by SEMA6D and TREM2, revealing that this interaction is crucial for microglial function and is disrupted in late AD stages (ref: D'Oliveira Albanus doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adx0027/). Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of microglial dynamics and their potential as therapeutic targets in AD.