Role of Receptors in Relation to Plaques and Tangles in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Detection of Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
Published on: July 26, 2011
Kavita Sharma1, Samjhana Pradhan2, Lawrence K Duffy3
1Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
Abstract:
Despite the identification of Aβ plaques and NFTs as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, therapeutic interventions remain elusive, with neither an absolute prophylactic nor a curative medication available to impede the progression of AD presently available. Current approaches focus on symptomatic treatments to maintain AD patients' mental stability and behavioral symptoms by decreasing neuronal degeneration; however, the complexity of AD pathology requires a wide range of therapeutic approaches for both preventive and curative treatments. In this regard, this review summarizes the role of receptors as a potential target for treating AD and focuses on the path of major receptors which are responsible for AD progression. This review gives an overall idea centering on major receptors, their agonist and antagonist and future prospects of viral mimicry in AD pathology. This article aims to provide researchers and developers a comprehensive idea about the different receptors involved in AD pathogenesis that may lead to finding a new therapeutic strategy to treat AD.
Insights
Current Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments offer only symptomatic relief. This review explores targeting major receptors and viral mimicry for novel preventive and curative AD therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs).
- Existing AD therapies primarily manage symptoms and slow neuronal degeneration, lacking curative or fully prophylactic options.
- The complex pathology of AD necessitates diverse therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of receptors as potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
- To elucidate the involvement of major receptors in AD progression.
- To explore the potential of viral mimicry as a therapeutic approach in AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on receptor pathways in AD pathogenesis.
- Analysis of agonists and antagonists for identified key receptors.
- Exploration of viral mimicry strategies in the context of AD.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific major receptors implicated in AD progression.
- Discussion of receptor agonists and antagonists as potential therapeutic agents.
- Overview of viral mimicry as a novel avenue for AD intervention.
Conclusions:
- Receptor-targeted therapies offer promising avenues for AD treatment.
- Understanding receptor pathways is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
- Viral mimicry presents a novel and potentially effective approach for AD pathology.
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