Forum for Science, Industry and Business
Sponsored by:     Siemens  n-tv 
Search our Site:

Topic (optional):

 

Home Reports Life Sciences Content

Potatoes may hold key to Alzheimer's treatment

next article
19.08.2008

A virus that commonly infects potatoes bears a striking resemblance to one of the key proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and researchers have used that to develop antibodies that may slow or prevent the onset of AD.

 

Studies in mice have demonstrated that vaccinations with the amyloid beta protein (believed to be a major AD contributor) to produce AƒÒ antibodies can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function, possibly by promoting the destruction of amyloid plaques. Some early human trials have likewise been promising, but had to be halted due to the risk of autoimmune encephalitis.


One way to make Alzheimer's vaccinations safer would be to use a closely-related, but not human, protein as the vaccine, much like cowpox virus is used for smallpox immunizations.

In the August 15 Journal of Biological Chemistry, Robert Friedland and colleagues used this concept on an amyloid-like protein found in potato virus (PVY). They injected PVY into mice followed by monthly boosters for four months. The researchers found that the mice produced strong levels of antibodies that could attach to amyloid beta protein both in both solution and in tissue samples of Alzheimer's patients. And although the levels were lower, mice also developed AƒÒ antibodies if given injections of PVY-infected potato leaf as opposed to purified PVY.

Friedland and colleagues note that potato virus is a fairly common infection that poses no risk to humans (many people have probably eaten PVY infected potatoes). While tests of PVY antibodies will ultimately determine how useful they can be, they may be a promising lead to treating this debilitating disease.

Nick Zagorski | Source: EurekAlert!
Further information: www.asbmb.org

next article

More articles from Life Sciences:

nachricht Researchers Find New Actions of Neurochemicals
03.07.2009 | McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

nachricht Salamanders, regenerative wonders, heal like mammals, people
03.07.2009 | University of Florida

All articles from Life Sciences >>>

B2B Search

Product / Service
Company / Organisation

Latest News

The least sea ice in 800 years

03.07.2009 | Earth Sciences

Astronomer's new guide to the galaxy: largest map of cold dust revealed

03.07.2009 | Physics and Astronomy

Interferon alpha can delay full onset of type I diabetes

03.07.2009 | Health and Medicine

VideoLinks

Event News

New Worlds - New Solutions - Research and Innovation as a Basis for Developing Europe in a Global Context

29.06.2009 | Event News

6th BMBF Forum for Sustainability "Research for Sustainability - One Step Further"

19.06.2009 | Event News

2nd ISPIM Innovation Symposium - Stimulating Recovery The Role of Innovation Management

02.06.2009 | Event News