Seattle, Washington – Researchers at the University of Washington have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of Alzheimer’s disease, shedding light on how immune cells in the brain behave differently in individuals with the condition compared to those with healthy brains.
In a study published in August, scientists found that microglia, a type of immune cell responsible for maintaining brain health by clearing waste and preserving normal function, exhibit a pre-inflammatory state more frequently in Alzheimer’s disease. This altered behavior suggests a potential new target for treatment in combating the devastating effects of the neurodegenerative disease.
Unlike their normal function of clearing out dead cells and waste, microglia in Alzheimer’s patients become less effective at their task, leading to inflammation that can contribute to the death of brain cells. Previous attempts at using anti-inflammatory medications for Alzheimer’s have not shown significant effects in clinical trials.
To further understand the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers used brain autopsy samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s and healthy controls to study the gene activity of these immune cells. Through a new method known as single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the team identified 10 different clusters of microglia in the brain tissue, with one particular cluster more prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients and associated with inflammation and cell death genes.
Overall, the researchers found that microglia in Alzheimer’s brains were more likely to be in a pre-inflammatory state, producing molecules that can damage brain cells and potentially accelerate the progression of the disease. This compromised function hinders their ability to maintain brain health and promote healthy aging.
The study suggests that microglia may transition between different types over time, indicating the need for continued monitoring to understand their role in Alzheimer’s disease progression. While the research is still in its early stages, the findings provide valuable insights into potential targets for new treatments that could improve the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.
Lead researcher Katherine Prater emphasized the importance of unraveling the genetic profiles of microglia to identify strategies for altering their behavior, with the ultimate goal of developing therapies to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in Nature Aging, marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s.