Immunotherapy with β -Amyloid for Alzheimer's Disease: A New Frontier

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly population. Until recently, there was little hope of finding a way to prevent the underlying brain pathology from progressing toward the inevitable conclusion of the disease. However, new immunotherapeutic approaches have been described that are based on vaccination with the β-amyloid 1-42 peptide (Aβ). The encouraging efficacy and safety of Aβ immunization in reducing neuropathology in animal models of AD has opened up new therapeutic possibilities for patients. Immunization with Aβ is aimed at reducing the Aβ-associated pathology of AD. It is hypothesized that this approach will also reduce the cascade of downstream events leading to neuronal cell loss and, ultimately, dementia. The ensuing articles in this issue describe various aspects of the Aβ immunization strategy and their potential relevance to AD treatment.