Abstract The 18 kD translocator protein（TSPO） is considered to be involved in a variety of biological processes such as cholesterol transport， lipid metabolism， mitochondrial oxidation and apoptosis regulation. In recent years，the protective effects of TSPO in neural injury and inflammation have gained many attentions.　Objective　To provide theory support for further clinical and basic research by reviewing the progress of study on the physiological functions and neuroprotective effects of TSPO.　Content　This paper reviews the mechanism of neuroprotective effects of TSPO from three aspects such as physiological functions，neuroinflammtion reactions and peripheral nerve lesions.　Trend　TSPO is being expected to be a potential drug target and biomaker for the treatment and diagnosis of nervous system diseases.