Brain inflammation link found in Alzheimer’s study

Blocking receptors in the brain responsible for controlling immune cells could protect against changes seen due to Alzheimer’s, UK researchers have found.

Tissue from healthy brains and those with Alzheimer’s were examined at the University of Southampton and had the number of microglia (macrophage glial cells) counted, with more found in brains of those with Alzheimer’s.

These same immune cells were studied in mice to see if a receptor responsible for the microglia regulation, CSF1R, would affect cognitive skills. By blocking this receptor, microglia numbers were preventing from rising and prevented the loss of communication points between nerve cells associated with Alzheimer’s. The treated mice had fewer memory and behavioural problems than the untreated mice.

Dr Diego Gomez-Nicola, lead author of the study, said: “These findings are as close to evidence as we can get to show that this particular pathway is active in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The researchers found in mice that were given CSFR1 inhibitors they still retained a healthy amount of microglia – this suggests inhibiting CSF1R prevents excess microglia.

Dr Rob Buckle, director of science programmes at the Medical Research Council (MRC), said: “It is increasingly clear that inflammation is a key factor in a number of neurodegenerative conditions and this study provides an important insight into the biological processes behind this link.

“The study is an excellent example of how basic research can lead to promising partnerships with industry that could be of real benefit for those with dementia.”

This research was carried out with joint funding from the MRC and Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The paper, Pharmacological targeting of CSF1R inhibits microglial proliferation and prevents the progression of Alzheimer’s-like pathology’ can be found here.