Immunization with fibrillar Abeta(1-42) in young and aged canines: Antibody generation and characteristics, and effects on CSF and brain Abeta

Abstract

We describe a study testing fibrillar beta-amyloid(1-42) (Abeta42) vaccination in dogs. Three young beagles (4.6 years) were immunized twice with Abeta42 and a Th1 adjuvant (TiterMax Gold). Animals generated primarily IgG2 and IgM antibody responses, which were specific for the Abeta(11-30) region of Abeta(1-42). Next, 3 aged beagles (8.9-13.8 years) were immunized 4 times with Abeta(42) and a Th2 adjuvant (Alum). We observed an acute increase in IgG2, a slower increase in IgG1 and Abeta antibodies of broader specificity (Abeta(1-15>) Abeta(11-30>) Abeta(6-20)). A nonsignificant increase in CSF Abeta(1-40) and decrease in Abeta(1-40/1-42) in cortex was detected. Canines may be a useful system for testing an Abeta vaccine.