Intrabodies for protein interference in Alzheimer’s disease

Several open questions call for new studies on pathogenic mechanisms leading to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), with the search for upstream drivers of the neurodegeneration cascade, such as neurotrophic deficits, early misfolding events of AD-related proteins (Abeta and tau) and understanding the multifactorial basis of AD pathogenesis. Since seminal immunosympathectomy experiment which represents the first example of a knock out experiment (albeit a protein knock-out), antibodies have had a long and successful history as a tool to selectively interfere with the function of proteins in cells and in organisms and antibody technologies represent a major weapon in the set of target validation techniques. Here, we describe a technology, pioneered by our group, based on recombinant antibody domains exploited as intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) whereby antibodies are used as genes, rather than as proteins. We discuss several applications and new promising developments of the intrabody approach for protein interference, especially in the field of AD research.