In Alzheimer’s disease, two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells. In the first, an accumulation of brain proteins called beta-amyloid peptides clump together forming plaques that disrupt cell function.
Researchers at Juntendo University School of Medicine in Tokyo (Japan), have developed a novel vaccine targeting brain cells associated with Alzheimer’s disease, initially designed to eliminate senescent cells expressing senescence-associated glycoprotein (SAGP). The vaccine reduced amyloid deposits in the cerebral cortex region responsible for language processing, attention, and problem-solving. Additionally, it decreased the size of astrocyte cells, a specific inflammatory molecule. It reduced other inflammatory biomarkers, indicating an improvement in brain inflammation.
“If the vaccine could prove to be successful in humans, it would be a big step forward towards delaying disease progression or even prevention of this disease.” says lead study author Chieh-Lun Hsiao, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow in the department of cardiovascular biology and medicine at Juntendo University.
