Dec. 19, 2012 Researchers in Bonn, Germany, have identified a
protein as a potential target for the treatment of Alzheimer's
disease. The molecular complex is part of the immune system and
a driving force for inflammatory responses of the brain.
Blocking its activity may pave the way for new possibilities for
therapy, the researchers report in the current issue of
"Nature." The study involved scientists from Germany, Spain and
the United States. The Bonn site of the German Center for
Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the University of Bonn are
leading contributors. The complex named "NLRP3 inflammasome" is
composed of several proteins and plays a key role in the immune
system. It resembles a fire alarm sensor that triggers a chain
reaction when activated. As a result, immune cells are mobilized
and substances that foster inflammation are released. This
process can be triggered by infections, which are subsequently
suppressed by the immune response. However, in the case of
Alzheimer's disease, the activati