Key to treating Alzheimer’s may lie within immune system, UVA researchers say

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A breakthrough at UVA Health could reshape how we understand and treat Alzheimer’s Disease.

Researchers say they’ve uncovered a new target in the brain, one that could eventually help stop the disease in its tracks.

For decades scientists have searched for answers to what causes Alzheimer’s and how to prevent the mental decline that comes with it.

New research at UVA suggests the key may lie within our own immune system and how it responds to aging and damage in the brain.

Researchers at UVA’s Harrison Family Translational Research Center recently discovered a molecule called STING, normally part of the body’s defense system, being link to harmful inflammation in the brain.

“It suggests that STING is a major pathway that drives cognitive decline and also the pathology that’s used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.” Harrison Family Translational Research Center Director John Lukens said.

Lukens says this discovery could be especially promising because STING doesn’t just play a role in Alzheimer’s, but in other cognitive diseases as well.

“This STING pathway, by other groups, has shown to be important in ALS, and even Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.” Lukens said.

Lukens believes by better understanding how STING affects brain health, they can work toward therapies that slow or even stop cognitive decline.

“If we can leverage pharmacological agents that target STING, this molecule we discovered, that could potentially provide a strategy to limit Alzheimer’s disease in patients.” Lukens said.

Experts say its early, but the results so far show strong promise for changing the future of Alzheimer’s care.

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