Insights into the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease: a rolefor mononuclear phagocyte-associated inflammation and neurotoxicity

Since the first description of Alzheimer's disease (AID) in 1907, significa nt progress was made into understanding disease pathophysiology. The enormo us effort in AD research has translated into the discovery of genetic linka ges for disease, into elucidating the structure and function of the etiolog ic beta-amyloid protein, slid into unraveling the seemingly complex neuroim munological cascade that affects neuronal dysfunction. Although effective t herapies do not currently exist, many are being developed, We propose that the neuropathogenesis of AD, in measure, revolves around the immunological activation of glial cells, which in turn leads to alterations in inflammato ry neurotoxin production, slid ultimately to neuronal injury and death, Elu cidating the mechanisms involved in such glial cell immune activation shoul d provide valuable insights into understanding the disease process and in p roviding effective therapeutics to prevent and/or retard the devastating ne urodegeneration that afflicts so many of our elderly.