Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9899
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 2155-9899
+44 1223 790975
R B Maccioni
University of Chile, Chile
Keynote: J Clin Cell Immunol
Alzheimerâ�?�?s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the most common cause of dementia in senile population, characterized by behavioral disorders, loss of memory and cognitive impairment. According to the World Health Organization, AD represents around 12% of people over 65 worldwide. On the basis of the two main protein aggregates, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and amyloid plaques (AP), several attempts to explain the genesis of the disease have been proposed. Current research indicates that pathological hyperphosphorylated forms of the microtubuleâ�?associated protein tau, is the main precursor for AD onset, with a paramount molecular mechanism based on neuroinflammatory processes. We have postulated the neuroimmunomodulation theory. In this context, microglial cells that play preponderant roles in innate immunity are the main source of proinflammatory factors in the brain. Microglial activation triggers alterations in the cross-talks between microglia and neuronal cells in AD pathogenesis. This activation depends on the type, intensity and context of the stimulus. In neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, a persistently active microglial condition could generate neuronal damage, with a consequent death of neuronal cells, causing the release of pathological tau toward the extracellular environment. Released tau would subsequently cause the activation of microglial cells, promoting a feedback mechanism and generating a continuous cellular damage. After activation of microglia is induced, generation of NFâ�?kB occurs, thus promoting the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukinâ�?1�?² (ILâ�?1�?²), interleukinâ�?6 (ILâ�?6), interleukinâ�?12 (ILâ�?12), interleukinâ�?18 (ILâ�?18), interferon gamma (IFNâ�?�?³) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFâ�?�?±). As a consequence, shortâ�?lived cytotoxic factors, such as superoxide radicals (O2), nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), are released. In normal physiological conditions, tauâ�?�?s kinases have a role in regulating normal functions of tau. Pathological tau hyperphosphorylations by the p35â�?activated cyclinâ�?dependent kinase 5 system (Cdk5) reduce tau-microtubule interaction, downregulating tau function in microtubule stabilization and axonal transport. On the other hand, glycogen synthase kinase 3â�?beta (GSK3�?²)â�?mediated tau phosphorylation promotes Nâ�?methylâ�?D aspartate receptor (NMDAr)â�?mediated longâ�?term depression (LTD). It has been shown that increasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines during AD by microglia leads to an increase in kinase expression and activity of both Cdkâ�?5 and GSK3â�?�?². On the other hand, TNFâ�?�?± and ILâ�?8 increase expression and kinase activity of Cdk5, whereas ILâ�?1�?² hyperactivates GSK3â�?�?², leading to tau hyperphosphorylations. These result in microtubule destabilization, impaired axonal transport, NMDArâ�?mediated neurotoxicity, synaptic dysfunction and finally in cell death. Finally, the previously summarized mechanisms could explain the onset and progression of AD, opening a new projection to focus research on therapeutic agents that could modulate the interactions between tau and microglial cells. The neuroimmunomodulation mechanisms have been the basis toward the search of innovative therapeutic approaches for AD using tau as a main target.
R B Maccioni is a Professor of Neurology and Neurosciences, University of Chile and Director of the International Center for Biomedicine. Hi did his Doctoral degree in 1974, postdoctoral and visiting scholar at NIH and Max Plank Institute. He is Associate Professor at CU University Medical School. He is a world class scientist with leading contributions to biology of neuronal cells, tau protein and neuro-immuno-modulation in AD, in vivo neuroimaging technology and biomarkers for AD diagnosis. He has served as Editor of several journals, author with George Perry of the book “Current Hypotheses and Research Milestones in Alzheimer´s Disease”, outstanding achievements in the training of more than 60 scientist (MD´s & PhD´s), author of 176 publications and seven books. His scientific findings are characterized by innovative approaches to elucidate complex problems of modern medical research. He has received important international prizes, including awards from Alzheimer´s Association, Milheim foundation, and he is a Presidential Chair in Science, Chancellor´s Medals and Doctor Honoris Causa at several universities.