Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that suggests a common virus in the gut may trigger the development of Alzheimer's disease. The study, which was conducted by a team of scientists at the Arizona State University, found that the virus, known as the reovirus, can infect the brain and contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
We think we found a biologically unique subtype of Alzheimer’s that may affect 25% to 45% of people with this disease. This subtype of Alzheimer’s includes the hallmark amyloid plaques and tau tangles—microscopic brain abnormalities used for diagnosis—and features a distinct biological profile of virus, antibodies, and immune cells in the brainDr. Ben Readhead, Research Associate Professor, ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute
The researchers used a combination of laboratory experiments and computer simulations to investigate the role of the reovirus in Alzheimer's disease. They found that the virus can infect the gut and then travel to the brain, where it can trigger an immune response that leads to the formation of amyloid plaques. The study also found that the reovirus can interact with other risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, such as genetics and lifestyle, to increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The researchers suggest that targeting the reovirus with antiviral medications or vaccines could potentially prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, as an imbalance of gut bacteria can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings are supported by previous research that has suggested a link between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is incredibly complex, and research is ongoing to understand its causes. This study adds to our growing understanding of the important role our immune system plays in the development of Alzheimer’sDr Sheona Scales, Director of Research, Alzheimer’s Research UK
For example, studies have found that people with Alzheimer's disease have a different composition of gut bacteria compared to healthy individuals. The researchers are now planning to conduct further studies to confirm their findings and to investigate the potential therapeutic applications of targeting the reovirus in Alzheimer's disease. The study's lead author noted that the discovery of the reovirus's role could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for the disease.
Reference:
The Journal of Alzheimer's Association (Retrieved From: https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Readhead, Benjamin P., Diego F. Mastroeni, Qi Wang, Maria A. Sierra, Camila de Ávila, Tajudeen O. Jimoh, Jean-Vianney Haure-Mirande, et al. "Alzheimer's Disease–Associated CD83(+) Microglia Are Linked with Increased Immunoglobulin G4 and Human Cytomegalovirus in the Gut, Vagal Nerve, and Brain." Alzheimer's & Dementia (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14401. Accessed December 21, 2024.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)