The aggregation and accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein (Tau) is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) and many neurodegenerative diseases. For a long time research has focused on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and other large meta-stable inclusions composed of aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The correlation between these structures and disease progression produced conflicting results; moreover, the mechanism of their formation remains poorly understood. Lately, the significance and toxicity of NFTs have been challenged and a new aggregated tau entity has emerged as the true pathogenic species in tauopathies and a possible mediator of Aβ toxicity in AD; specifically, aggregates of a size intermediate between monomers and NFTs the so-called tau oligomers. Tremendous efforts have been devoted toward the optimization of a safe vaccine for AD by targeting Aβ peptide; despite the disappointing results, these studies produced a wealth of useful knowledge, which should be considered in developing tau-based immunotherapy. Herein, we discuss the evidence supporting the critical role of tau oligomers in AD, the potential and challenges for targeting them by immunotherapy as a novel approach for AD treatment.
CITATION STYLE
A. Lasagna-Reeves, C., L. Castillo-Carranza, D., R. Jackson, G., & Kayed, R. (2011). Tau Oligomers as Potential Targets for Immunotherapy for Alzheimers Disease and Tauopathies. Current Alzheimer Research, 8(6), 659–665. https://doi.org/10.2174/156720511796717177
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