IL-33 ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology and cognitive decline
- Journal:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Published:
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1604032113
- Affiliations:
- 6
- Authors:
- 11
Research Highlight
Immune therapy shows promise against Alzheimer’s
© Letizia Le Fur/ONOKY/Getty
Alzheimer’s-like symptoms and cognitive decline were reversed in mice injected with an immune-activating molecule called interleukin-33. The therapeutic strategy, described in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA , will soon be tested on humans.
A team from China and the United Kingdom, including a researcher from Zhejiang University, injected mouse models of Alzheimer’s with interleukin-33, an immune protein known to be scarce in the brains of people with the devastating neurodegenerative condition. These mice performed better on memory tests and had less of the toxic beta-amyloid protein in their brains compared to placebo-treated controls. The interleukin therapy also reduced the brain inflammation that is thought to hasten the disease process.
Although human trials are needed, the research suggests a promising way to boost the immune system to help combat Alzheimer’s, for which there is no effective treatment.
References
- PNAS 113, E2705–E2713 (2016). doi: 10.1073/pnas.1604032113