Stunning Diagnostic Accuracy from a Plasma Protein Panel?
A set of 19 plasma proteins identified clinical Alzheimer’s cases with 97 percent accuracy, and it distinguished mild versus severe dementia. The panel was tested in two small cohorts.
NEWS
Private Stock—Brain Taps Skull Bone Marrow for Immune Cells
Via recently discovered channels, freshly made monocytes and B cells in the bone marrow of the skull and vertebrae travel directly into the meninges, where they stand ready to infiltrate the brain. These immune cells are distinct from their blood-borne counterparts.
Neuronal Exosomes Embroiled in Controversy
The L1CAM cell adhesion marker is a widely adopted marker of neuron-derived extracellular vesicles. Except it cannot be found in those teeny packets, claims a new study.
Aducanumab Approved to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Biogen got the go-ahead under the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway, which requires change in a surrogate biomarker and Phase 4 studies to verify a clinical benefit.
No Breach Needed: Ultrasound Improves Memory in Mice
When pulsed through the skull, ultrasound restored synaptic signaling, neurogenesis, and memory, in old mice.
Anti-Tau Strategy PACs a Punch
Activating the G protein-coupled receptor PAC1R in the mouse brain prompts the proteasome to clear tangles.
Neurons Made from Fibroblasts Keep Imprint of Alzheimer's, Aging
Unlike iPSC-derived neurons, those created directly from fibroblasts reflect the donor's age and disease status. Epigenetic modifications appear to make the difference.
Ingested Aβ Trips Transformation in Microglia
In the plaque-ridden mouse brain, microglia that had taken up Aβ activated a unique gene-expression profile. It faded after microglia were moved to plaque-free environs.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Alzforum encourages users to visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall, where companies showcase their newest initiatives, products, and services. We welcome F. Hoffmann-La Roche, joining our other exhibitors — Biogen, BioLegend, Abcam, BrainXell, and the Jackson Laboratory.
SPOTLIGHT
CNS Taps Private Stock of Immune Cells from Bone Marrow
While the other organs of the body obtain their supplies of immune cells from the blood, the brain has its own secret stash—in the bone marrow of the skull and vertebrae. Two papers describe how, via secret corridors, freshly made myeloid cells and B cells crawl from the marrow directly into the meninges. There, the cells stand poised to enter the brain or spinal cord if needed. In the meninges, the budding immune cells may learn to distinguish brain as self, an education blood-borne immune cells may lack.
Aducanumab Approved to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
After a tortuous, rocky path, Biogen snared marketing approval for its anti-amyloid antibody aducanumab, now known as Aduhelm. It becomes the first Alzheimer’s therapy approved in 18 years, and the only one that acts on the underlying pathology of the disease. The approval has generated controversy, with many researchers noting the conflicting Phase 3 data and small clinical benefit. The FDA approved Aduhelm under its accelerated approval pathway, which requires Phase 4 studies to demonstrate clinical efficacy. The FDA label does not specify which patient groups might benefit most, providing little guidance for clinicians navigating this sea change in Alzheimer’s treatment.
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