2024 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)
Impact of systemic interferon responses in Alzheimer's disease
What are the mechanisms linked to increased brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s?
I-Chen Yu, Ph.D.
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN - United States
Background
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the brain and help maintain the health of nerve cells. Individuals with Alzheimer’s typically experience brain inflammation caused by changes in the immune system, including increased activity of microglia. Interferons are proteins that play a role in the body’s immune system as well as activating microglia. Studies have shown that increased levels of interferons can lead to overactive microglia in Alzheimer’s. However, the mechanisms by which interferons impact microglia activity in Alzheimer’s are not fully understood.
Research Plan
For their project, Dr. I-Chen Yu and colleagues will study whether a specific protein called Nrf2, which plays a role in how cells respond to stress, could be the link between interferons and overactive microglia in Alzheimer’s. They will do this by increasing levels of interferon in genetically engineered Alzheimer’s-like mice that either do or do not have Nrf2 and measuring cognitive function. The researcher will also measure levels of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two of the hallmark brain changes in Alzheimer’s, and brain inflammation in the same mice.
Impact
The results of this project may help us better understand the mechanisms by which brain inflammation contributes to Alzheimer’s progression. The findings could also identify new therapeutic targets to treat brain inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.