07 Dec 2001

Cynthia Lemere of Harvard Medical School summarized the efforts and progress of her group to develop intranasal immunotherapy for AD in transgenic mouse models of AD-like amyloidosis by delivering the human Aβ peptides through the nasal route. She reviewed the components of the nasal epithelium immune system and then reported results similar to those of the Elan group with respect to the prevention and/or reversal of brain deposits of Aβ amyloid in transgenic mice. However, she also reviewed data suggesting an alternative mechanism for removal of Aβ amyloid deposit clearance involving the peripheral clearance of antibody bound Aβ from plasma leading to a redistribution of brain Aβ through a "sink"-like effect through plasma in the peripheral vascular compartment for subsequent elimination. Differences in the mechanisms of Aβ clearance between Elan scientists and other groups notwithstanding, it is increasingly evident that Aβ immunotherapy is solidly grounded in a wealth of preclinical data, and the outcome of ongoing clinical trials of this therapy in AD patients will determine the extent to which it will prove to be an efficacious intervention for the treatment or prevention of AD.—John Trojanowski