Adaptive Immunity and Alzheimer’s Disease: Dual Roles in Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection with Therapeutic Implications
10.4062/biomolther.2025.199
- Author:
You Min AHN
;
Min-Kyoo SHIN
- Publication Type:Invited Review
- From:Biomolecules & Therapeutics
2026;34(1):124-135
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder defined by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Although earlier work emphasized brain-resident glia (microglia and astrocytes), recent studies highlight adaptive immune cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, as modulators of AD pathology. This review synthesizes animal and human findings from 2022–2025 to provide updated insights into the multifaceted roles and therapeutic potential of adaptive immunity in AD. Infiltration of peripheral T and B cells into the brain parenchyma links peripheral immunity to central nervous system (CNS) pathology. Both infiltrating lymphocytes and resident glia show context-dependent dual effects, either exacerbating neurodegeneration or promoting neuroprotection. Therapeutic strategies under active investigation include modulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation, adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells, and next-generation active vaccines for AD. Overall, selective modulation of discrete immune subsets may enable adaptive-immunity-based treatments, a complex yet promising avenue for AD therapy.
