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Microglia contribute to the propagation of Aβ into unaffected brain tissue

Paolo d'Errico1,2, Stephanie Ziegler-Waldkirch1,2, Vanessa Aires1,3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Nature Neuroscience
|November 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Microglia actively transport amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology into new brain areas. Modulating microglia function can limit Aβ spread, revealing a novel propagation pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Microglia are immune cells in the brain that respond to amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques.
  • The role of microglia in the spread of Aβ pathology to healthy brain regions is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether microglia contribute to the propagation of amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology into unaffected brain areas.
  • To explore the potential of manipulating microglia function to control Aβ deposition.

Main Methods:

  • Transplantation of wild-type (WT) neurons into a model system.
  • In vivo imaging to track Aβ pathology and microglia movement.
  • Experimental manipulation of microglia function.

Main Results:

  • Amyloid beta (Aβ) was observed to enter transplanted WT neuron grafts.
  • Microglia infiltrated these grafts, correlating with Aβ entry.
  • Reduced Aβ deposition was observed when microglia function was manipulated.
  • In vivo imaging confirmed microglia acting as carriers of Aβ pathology in previously unaffected tissue.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia play a significant role in the propagation of amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology.
  • Microglia can act as vectors for spreading Aβ to new brain regions.
  • Targeting microglia function presents a potential therapeutic strategy for limiting Alzheimer's disease progression.

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