Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Antibodies targeting amyloid beta (Aß) have recently been developed as promising treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Aducanumab was the first to receive limited FDA approval in 2021 offering much needed new treatment options for AD patients. Aducanumab clears aggregated Aß in the brain, presumably through microglial phagocytosis, although the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms of its effect remain incompletely understood.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Murine models of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have resulted in numerous discoveries leading to a better understanding of AD pathogenesis but results poorly translated to novel treatment options. Over the past years, iPSC-derived human neuronal cultures have been developed to better model AD in vitro. One key hallmark of AD is the presence of insoluble Aß plaques in the brain.

A microglia-containing cerebral organoid model to study early life immune challenges.

Prenatal infections and activation of the maternal immune system have been proposed to contribute to causing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), chronic conditions often linked to brain abnormalities. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and play a key role in neurodevelopment. Disruption of microglial functions can lead to brain abnormalities and increase the risk of developing NDDs.

A microglia-containing cerebral organoid model to study early life immune challenges.

Prenatal infections and activation of the maternal immune system have been proposed to contribute to causing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), chronic conditions often linked to brain abnormalities. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and play a key role in neurodevelopment. Disruption of microglial functions can lead to brain abnormalities and increase the risk of developing NDDs.