Researchers wanted to know if a medication that reduces inflammation caused by immune cells in the brain and is currently being tried on patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) may also have a beneficial effect on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Anti-CD3, a nasal immunotherapy, was shown to decrease inflammation and enhance cognition independently of Aβ (amyloid beta) plaques. Such a discovery is genuinely incredible!
We provide evidence that intranasal anti-CD3 therapy can dampen microglia activation and expand T cells in a murine model of Alzheimer’s; […] This represents a unique approach to treating later-stage Alzheimer’s that can be applied to other inflammatory disease conditions as well, explained Howard L. Weiner, MD, of the Department of Neurology.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory illness that can severely impair one’s quality of life and is notoriously difficult to cure. The majority of currently available treatments focus on preventing the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, which involves both early intervention and treatment administered intravenously. And that’s a real shame, to say the least!
Study insights
The treatment was successful in suppressing the activation of microglia, which are immune cells that are triggering inflammation in the brain. The treated mice performed significantly better in a variety of behavioral tests, such as an intricate water maze, indicating that their cognitive abilities were enhanced. That is very remarkable and really motivating!
Following therapy, the researchers found alterations in the patterns of gene expression in the brain as well as an increase of regulatory T cells, which combat illness in the periphery. There was no correlation between the amounts of A plaque and any of the modifications.
Soon, the researchers intend to study the application of this immunotherapy in animals when combined with anti-amyloid medicines, and then they will go on to clinical studies with humans. The most important thing is to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to support the work that researchers are doing.
Do not be hesitant to have a conversation with a healthcare expert in the event that you or someone close to you is experiencing any kind of health difficulties.
