Newly Identified Microglia Subtype Offers Potential Alzheimer’s Treatment Pathway
new York, NY – Researchers have discovered a subtype of microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, that actively protects against Alzheimer’s disease in mice. The finding, published in Nature, suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy focused on boosting the activity of these neuroprotective cells.
While the brain already possesses immune defenses against Alzheimer’s, thay are insufficient to halt disease progression. This study from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine reveals that a specific microglia subtype exhibits characteristics similar to regulatory T cells – immune cells known for their role in controlling the immune system – and actively works to shield neurons. This suggests a shared logic of immune regulation across different cell types within the nervous system.
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition with numerous contributing risk factors. Effective treatments will likely require targeting multiple pathways, and converting microglia into this protective mode represents a promising avenue for future research.
“this discovery comes at a time when regulatory T cells have achieved major recognition as master regulators of immunity, highlighting a shared logic of immune regulation across cell types,” says epigeneticist Alexander Tarakhovsky, from Rockefeller university.”It also paves the way for immunotherapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.”
The research team hopes future therapies can increase the levels of this beneficial microglia subtype, though further investigation is needed to confirm whether microglia function identically in humans.
