The Role of Immunity in Alzheimer's Disease. Issue 5 (7th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McManus, Róisín M.
• Is Part Of: Advanced biology. Volume 6:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-07
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- amyloid beta -- infections -- inflammasomes -- microglia -- T cells -- tau; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Systems biology -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2701-0198

Abstract

Abstract: With the increase in the aging population, age‐related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease will become ever more prevalent in society. As there is no cure for dementia and extremely limited therapeutic options, researchers are examining the mechanisms that contribute to the progression of cognitive decline in hopes of developing better therapies and even an effective, long‐lasting treatment for this devastating condition. This review will provide an updated perspective on the role of immunity in triggering the changes that lead to the development of dementia. It will detail the latest findings on Aβ‐ and tau‐induced microglial activation, including the role of the inflammasome. The contribution of the adaptive immune system, specifically T cells, will be discussed. Finally, whether the innate and adaptive immune system can be modulated to protect against dementia will be examined, along with an assessment of the prospective candidates for these that are currently in clinical trials. Abstract : This review summarizes the latest research on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, from chronic microglial activation due to the growing presence of Aβ and tau, changes in the neurovascular unit that facilitate T cell infiltration, and the contribution of peripheral and central infection. Compounds targeting these immune pathways that are currently in clinical and pre‐clinical trials will be discussed.