Understanding Neurological Diseases: A New Perspective
Introduction
Scientists and doctors have long been puzzled by the causes of complex neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. These conditions are not caused by a single gene but are linked to numerous rare genetic variants and influenced by environmental factors and vascular risks.
The Role of Blood Leaks in the Brain
Dr. Katerina Akassoglou, a senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes, highlights a common factor in many neurological diseases: a toxic immune reaction caused by blood leaking into the brain through damaged blood vessels. This interaction between the brain, blood vessels, and the immune system is crucial in the development of these diseases.
Research Findings
Akassoglou’s research shows that a blood protein called fibrin, which is involved in blood clotting, triggers harmful effects in the brain. This process has been observed in conditions like Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. However, neutralizing fibrin can prevent or interrupt this process, offering protection against these diseases in animal models.
Therapeutic Advances
Akassoglou’s team developed a monoclonal antibody that targets fibrin’s inflammatory properties without affecting its role in blood coagulation. This therapy has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and neurological effects of COVID-19 in mice. A humanized version is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials by Therini Bio.
Future Directions
Akassoglou and her colleagues advocate for a new approach to neurological diseases, focusing on the blood-brain-immune interface. They emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists to drive innovation in drug discovery and transform medical practices.
Doubts Revealed
Katerina Akassoglou -: Katerina Akassoglou is a scientist who studies the brain and diseases that affect it. She works at a place called Gladstone Institutes.
Neurological Diseases -: Neurological diseases are illnesses that affect the brain, spine, and nerves. Examples include Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
Gladstone Institutes -: Gladstone Institutes is a research organization in the United States where scientists study diseases to find new treatments.
Blood leaking into the brain -: This means that blood, which should stay in the blood vessels, is getting into the brain where it shouldn’t be. This can cause problems and make people sick.
Toxic immune reaction -: A toxic immune reaction is when the body’s defense system overreacts and causes harm instead of protecting the body.
Fibrin -: Fibrin is a protein in the blood that helps form clots to stop bleeding. However, in the brain, it can cause problems if it leaks out.
Alzheimer’s -: Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain, causing memory loss and confusion, mostly in older people.
Multiple sclerosis -: Multiple sclerosis is a disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, causing problems with movement and coordination.
Clinical trials -: Clinical trials are research studies where new treatments are tested on people to see if they are safe and effective.
Interdisciplinary collaboration -: Interdisciplinary collaboration means people from different fields of study working together to solve a problem. In this case, scientists from different areas are working together to find new treatments for brain diseases.
