Brain immune cell map explains how defenses shift during Alzheimer's progression
The brain's immune cells are increasingly recognized as key players in Alzheimer's disease, but exactly how they change as the disease develops has remained unclear. A new study published in Nature Genetics provides the most comprehensive map to date of these cells, identifying a protective subtype of brain immune cells that expands as Alzheimer's disease progresses and uncovering the molecular…
Scientists have created an extensive map of brain immune cells to understand how they adapt during Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed over 830,000 myeloid cells in the brains of 1,607 individuals, ranging in age and disease stage. Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, led by Donghoon Lee and Panos Roussos, identified six subclasses of these cells and how they change with aging and Alzheimer's progression.
They discovered a subtype of microglia, the brain's immune cells, that becomes more prevalent as Alzheimer's advances. Instead of contributing to damage, these cells appear to protect the brain by enhancing their ability to clear harmful substances. The study also identified a molecular pathway involving TREM2, MITF, and GPNMB proteins that is crucial for maintaining this protective microglial state.
Experiments in human tissue and mouse models showed that TREM2 signaling is essential for the beneficial effects of these cells. The findings provide new insights into Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets by focusing on strengthening the brain's natural immune defenses, particularly in relation to immune-related genes like TREM2 and APOE.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
