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Alzheimer's Antibodies
19 December 2015

Alzheimer's Antibodies

Gradual accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain is believed to be a major contributing factor to the memory loss, confusion and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The main component of these aggregates, or plaques, is a protein called amyloid beta – labeled green in the mouse brain specimen pictured. Researchers are investigating ways to rid the brain of amyloid beta plaques in the hope of relieving or reversing patients’ declining cognitive functions, and one approach has been to use antibodies (labeled red) targeted against the protein. In mouse models of the disease, such antibodies have successfully cleared plaques and improved symptoms. However, clinical trials with the antibodies have caused dangerous inflammation in patients’ brains. By examining how the existing anti-amyloid antibodies interact with the body’s immune system, it’s believed scientists will be able to tweak the antibodies’ designs to maximise their plaque clearing abilities while minimising uncontrolled inflammation.

Written by Ruth Williams

Research published in Acta Neuropathologica, November 2015

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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