Microglial EP2 as a new target to increase amyloid beta phagocytosis and decrease amyloid beta-induced damage to neurons

Brain Pathol. 2005 Apr;15(2):134-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2005.tb00509.x.

Abstract

Epidemiologic and animal model data support a role for the prostaglandin pathway in AD pathogenesis. However, unexpected toxicity from protracted use of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) compels investigation of therapeutic targets in this pathway other than COX inhibitors. Previously, we have shown that mice lacking one specific receptor for PGE2, EP2 (EP2-/-), are protected from the indirect neurotoxic effects of cerebral innate immune response mediated by CD14-dependent activation. Here we review data showing that EP2-/- microglia have a highly desirable combination of features: ablated indirect neurotoxicity following exposure to Abeta(1-42) coupled with enhanced phagocytosis of Abeta peptides, both synthetic and those deposited in human brain. These data point to microglial EP2 as a more focused target within the PG pathway for therapy in AD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microglia / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Phagocytosis*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E