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Visualization of Amyloid β Deposits in the Human Brain with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 7, 2019
A perivascular perspective on the immune impacts in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Beth Eyre1,2, Stephanie K Bonney3
1British Heart Foundation - UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Insights
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a common small vessel disease, involves amyloid beta deposition. This review explores immune cell roles in CAA pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a prevalent small vessel disease linked to amyloid beta deposition in cerebral blood vessels.
- CAA contributes to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), lacking effective treatments.
- The perivascular environment and immune system involvement, particularly CAA-related inflammation, are increasingly recognized in CAA pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immune impacts of CAA within the perivascular environment.
- To investigate the role of specific perivascular immune cells in CAA pathogenesis.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets among these immune cells for CAA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on perivascular clearance and immune system roles in CAA.
- Analysis of current understanding of CAA pathophysiology and its relation to inflammation.
- Synthesis of findings on immune cell involvement in CAA pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Amyloid beta deposition in CAA significantly impacts the perivascular environment.
- Specific immune cells within the perivascular space are implicated in the development of CAA.
- Perivascular immune responses represent a promising area for developing novel CAA treatments.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immune cell functions in the perivascular space is crucial for elucidating CAA pathogenesis.
- Targeting CAA-related inflammation and specific immune cells may offer new therapeutic avenues.
- Further research into the immune aspects of CAA is warranted to develop effective treatments.
Abstract:
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is one of the most common small vessel diseases. With the deposition of amyloid beta within the walls of cerebral blood vessels, CAA can result in damage to blood vessels over time and ultimately intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Not only is CAA a leading cause of ICH but CAA is commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet there are still no effective treatments for CAA. The pathophysiology of CAA has yet to be fully elucidated but we know the perivascular environment is heavily impacted by the deposition of amyloid within blood vessels. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the role that perivascular clearance may play in the development of the disease. Additionally, the role of the immune system has also come into question, especially regarding CAA-related inflammation. In this review, we aim to discuss the immune impacts of CAA within the perivascular environment, and probe how specific cells within this environment may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAA. Importantly, we also consider how some of these immune cells may be key treatment avenues to explore.
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