New Research Suggests Multiple Sclerosis Drug Could Potentially Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Scientists from the University of Kentucky have discovered that an existing medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) may have the potential to be repurposed as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, called ponesimod, has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and toxic amyloid plaques in both mice and human brain tissue affected by Alzheimer’s.
The research team focused on a receptor found in brain cells called microglia, which plays a role in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia are responsible for regulating the brain’s immune response and clearing out harmful waste, including abnormal forms of the protein amyloid beta. In individuals with Alzheimer’s, this abnormal protein accumulates in the brain, forming plaques.
Previous studies have indicated that abnormal amyloid beta negatively affects microglia cells through a receptor called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter spinster 2, or Spns2. The scientists aimed to block this process using ponesimod, which is known to inhibit the Spns2 receptor.
To test their theory, the researchers conducted experiments on mice bred to develop Alzheimer-like symptoms and examined human samples of microglia cells. In both cases, ponesimod successfully reduced the inflammation caused by microglia and enhanced their ability to clear amyloid beta from the brain. The mice treated with ponesimod also exhibited better performance on memory tests compared to the control group, suggesting that the drug could potentially slow or halt Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Lead author Zhihui Zhu stated, The clearance of those proteins is an important target for Alzheimer’s disease therapy. In our study, we reprogrammed microglia into neuron-protective cells that clean up toxic proteins in the brain, reduce Alzheimer’s neuroinflammatory pathology, and improve memory in the mouse model.
While the results are promising, further research is needed to determine if the same effects can be replicated in human patients. Nevertheless, since ponesimod is already prescribed for MS, studying its potential use for Alzheimer’s could be expedited. Additionally, there are currently no approved drugs that increase the clearance of amyloid beta by microglia, making the findings of this study a potential breakthrough for future Alzheimer’s treatments.
Experts have emphasized the importance of approaching Alzheimer’s treatment from various angles. Although drugs that target amyloid plaques have been approved in recent years, their impact on symptoms is limited. Combining different approaches may offer more substantial improvements in patients’ prognosis.
The study’s findings were published in the journal eBioMedicine, highlighting the significant progress made in understanding the role of microglia and the potential of ponesimod as an Alzheimer’s treatment. As research continues, the hope is to develop effective therapies that can address the underlying causes of the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
