Alzheimer’s disease affects around 32 million people globally, with the number expected to rise. There is currently no cure for this disease, and available treatments only offer partial relief from symptoms. Researchers have been exploring immunotherapy as a potential treatment option, which boosts the body’s immune response to fight Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study, scientists from Washington University in St. Louis outlined a strategy using antibodies to restore the nervous system’s immune cells’ ability to clear out unwanted debris that may lead to Alzheimer’s.
By targeting proteins that regulate the activity of microglia, a type of immune cell in the nervous system, researchers have developed a method to enhance microglial phagocytic function in clearing out toxic substances in the brain. Past studies have suggested that microglia play a role in combating neuroinflammation and clearing out toxic accumulation of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study focused on the LILRB4 receptor located on microglia in the brain and its interaction with the fat-carrying protein ApoE, which is abundant in the brain and part of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
The researchers found high levels of LILRB4 in brain tissue samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Using a mouse model capable of expressing the human LILRB4 receptor, they discovered that the receptor disrupted microglia’s ability to interact with beta-amyloid plaques. By treating the mice with antibodies against LILRB4, they observed lower beta-amyloid levels in the brain, increased microglia activity, and reversed some behavioral changes linked to beta-amyloid accumulation in maze tests. This approach could potentially help in removing amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.
Neuropsychologists specializing in Alzheimer’s disease see promise in this research, highlighting the potential of monoclonal antibodies to interfere with the build-up of beta-amyloid, a primary biomarker of the disease. While the study provides evidence of the power of neuroimmunology to treat Alzheimer’s, the impact of reducing amyloid from this new mechanism on cognition and disease progression remains unclear. As the global population ages, there is a pressing need to develop effective treatments for dementia, as the financial and psychological burden is significant on individuals, families, and society.
Experts emphasize the importance of further research into restoring microglia function as a possible treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease. The rising number of dementia cases worldwide poses a public health crisis, requiring innovative approaches to address the disease’s progression. While there is still a lack of effective treatments to stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, exploring various strategies to slow down the neurodegenerative process is crucial. Continued research efforts are essential to find more effective treatments that can alleviate the burden of Alzheimer’s on individuals and society.
