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Abstract

The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include β-amyloid
(Aβ) plaques, dystrophic neurites and neurofibrillary pathology, which eventually
result in the degeneration of neurons and subsequent dementia. In 1999, international
interest in a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of AD was ignited
following transgenic mouse studies that indicated that it might be possible to
immunise against the pathological alterations in Aβ that lead to aggregation of this
protein in the brain. A subsequent phase I human trial for safety, tolerability and
immunogenicity using an active immunisation strategy against Aβ had a positive
outcome. However, phase IIA human trials involving active immunisation were
halted following the diagnosis of aseptic meningoencephalitis in 6% of
immunised subjects. Research into immunisation strategies involving transgenic
AD mouse models has subsequently been refocused to determine the mechanisms
by which plaque clearance and reduced memory deficits are attained, and to
establish safer therapeutic approaches that may reduce potentially harmful brain
inflammation. The vigour of international research on immunotherapy for AD
provides significant hope for a strong therapeutic lead for the escalating number of
individuals who will develop this otherwise incurable condition.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Woodhouse, A and Dickson, TC and Vickers, JC
Journal or Publication Title:	Drugs and Aging
Publisher:	Adis International Ltd.
ISSN:	1170-229X
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