- Scientists are continuing to look for new ways to treat Alzheimer’s disease as rates are expected to increase.
- Researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found that immune cells in the blood of people with Alzheimer’s disease are epigenetically altered.
- The study also discovered several genes that may be therapeutic targets for manipulating the body’s peripheral immune system.
With rates of Alzheimer’s disease expected
Adding to this research is a new study from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The findings recently published in the journal
This alteration, the researchers say, is potentially caused by a previous viral infection, environmental pollutants, or other lifestyle factors.
The research revealed several genes that may be therapeutic targets for manipulating the body’s
The body’s immune system can be considered as comprising two parts — the central immune system and the peripheral immune system, a term used to describe immune responses that happen outside the brain.
The peripheral immune system includes circulating white blood cells that detect antigens, such as bacteria or viruses, when they enter the body. This part of the immune system acts as the first wave of attack against any foreign substance.
According to Dr. David Gate, assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and senior and corresponding author on this study, there is mounting evidence that the peripheral immune system plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease.
“In recent years, we have shown that immune cells of the cerebrospinal fluid — a fluid that flows in and around the brain — are clonally expanded and…
Read the full article here