Abstract
We propose that the amyloid deposits in senile plaques of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) result from ancient mechanisms in wound-healing and inflammatory processes that preceded the evolution of the inducible combinatorial immune responses characteristic of jawed vertebrates. AD plaques are unlike active plaques in MS, because antibodies, T-cells and, B cells are not conspicuous components of senile plaques or other loci of degeneration. However, senile plaques contain amyloids and other inflammatory proteins of ancient origin that appear to be made by local brain cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. We describe a highly conversed 16-mer found in pentraxins from mammals and from the horseshoe crab. The senile plaque thus provides a novel opportunity to study primitive features of complement-mediated inflammatory responses in the absence of immunoglobulins.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.