The interaction between short beta-amyloid proteins and the immune system

Lead Investigator: Professor Florian Kern
Institution: University of Sussex
Grant type: PhD
Duration: 3 years
Amount: 75,000
Scientific Title: T-cell responsiveness to beta-amyloid peptides and variants resulting from post-translational modifications - an integrated analysis of T-cell receptor and Toll-like-receptor engagement.

What do we already know?

Beta-amyloid protein accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease and has many forms of different lengths. Research suggests that short forms of amyloid are toxic, damaging cells, causing inflammation, and driving progression of the disease. It appears that the immune system plays an important role in ensuring beta-amyloid does not build up, which may change depending on the length of the amyloid that is produced.

What does this project involve?

Professor Kern will supervise a PhD student to investigate the interaction between short beta-amyloid proteins and immune cells. These forms of beta-amyloid stimulate immune cells by attaching to receptors on their surface. The student will also identify whether certain changes to beta-amyloid, effect how the protein attaches to the immune cells.

How will this benefit people with dementia?

Analysing how the immune system is responding during Alzheimer's disease will improve our understanding of the complex pathways involved in the brain. This study will contribute important knowledge to to identify new targets for treatments for Alzheimer's.