Researchers have discovered the role of a protein contained in the blood, fibrin, on the brain and therefore the development of certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Researchers have discovered the role of fibrin in the development of certain neurological diseases.
- Fibrin is a protein that plays an important role in blood clotting.
- Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody capable of targeting fibrin to block its harmful action on microglial cells.
This may be one more step towards the development of a future treatment for Alzheimer’s disease… In a study published in the journal Nature Immunologyresearchers have discovered the role of a blood protein, called fibrin, in the development of certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
A protein in the blood affects the brain
Usually, microglia cells are immune cells of the central nervous system that provide its defense. But, in people with neurological diseases, they become harmful to neurons and contribute to cognitive decline. In this study, the researchers found one of the factors responsible for this change: the blood, and more specifically the fibrin it contains. This protein has the ability to turn on harmful genes in microglia and then transform cells to be toxic and destroy neurons.
“Knowing how blood affects the brain could help us develop innovative treatments for neurological diseases”, Katerina Akassoglou, one of the authors, in a communicated.
Neurological diseases: un monoclonal antibody to treat them
During their work, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. “We combined state-of-the-art tools to see all microglia processes that can be triggered by blood proteins, explains Andrew Mendiola, one of the authors. Fibrin stood out because it triggered a dramatic genetic response in microglia, which [étaient communes à celles] identified in chronic neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.“
Scientists then looked for a way to limit the harmful effects of fibrin. For this, they have developed a monoclonal antibody, that is, specifically developed to treat a disease or problem. “By targeting fibrin, we can block toxic microglial cells without affecting their protective functions in the brain,” indicates Katerina Akassoglou. In addition, the antibody blocks the harmful effects of fibrin without adverse effects on blood coagulation, the primary function of this protein.
Ultimately, this discovery could therefore make it possible to develop a new treatment against certain neurological diseases.
