Disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease targeting Aß oligomers: implications for therapeutic mechanisms.

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence indicate that amyloid ß (Aß), particularly Aß oligomers (AßOs), plays a causative role in Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of an anti-AßO antibody to clarify the toxic action of AßOs remain elusive. Here, we showed that the anti-AßO antibody (monoclonal 72D9) can modify the Aß aggregation pathway. We also found that 72D9 directly sequesters both extracellular and intraneuronal AßOs in a nontoxic state. Thus, therapeutic intervention targeting AßOs is a promising strategy for neuronal protection in Alzheimer's disease.