How immune cells of the brain contribute to Alzheimer's disease

Microglia are specialized brain cells that support the health and function of neurons. In response to brain injuries, these cells produce a large number of molecules that participate in inflammation and wound repair. While acute glial responses may help prevent neuronal damage, prolonged or aberrant activation of these cells may contribute to neurological disease. I am using genetic and pharmacological strategies to assess whether glial cells and their products contribute to cerebral amyloidosis and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have previously found that a certain microglial enzyme that is active in the metabolism of tryptophane (an amino acid) might be responsible for the production of neurotoxic substances. In AD patients this enzyme might be more active than usual. However, the inactivation of this enzyme by drugs might help to prevent the progression of AD pathology. The proposed experiments will increase our understanding of the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease and may also provide information critical for the preclinical development of drugs for Alzheimer's disease.