The present invention provides a method of treating Alzheimer's Disease by blocking CD- 40 receptor-mediated, Abeta-induced microglial cell activation with an agent. Also provided is a method of determining the therapeutic effectiveness of an agent for Alzheimer's Disease by measuring the inhibition of the interaction between the CD 40 receptor and its ligand (CD 40 L) in the presence of the agent. The present invention further provides a method of testing the efficacy of a therapeutic agent by producing a TgApp<SUB>SW</SUB>/CD 40 L deficient mouse and administering to the mouse the therapeutic agent to be tested and determining the efficacy of the drug in suppressing neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease.
Assay for evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of agents in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology