Loss of deep cerebellar nuclei neurons in the 3xTg-AD mice and protection by an anti-amyloid β antibody fragment.

The therapeutic potential of scFv-h3D6 has recently been shown in the 3xTg-AD mice. A clear effect on amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers and certain apolipoproteins in the brain was found, but no effect was seen in the cerebellum. Here, cellular vulnerability of the 3xTg-AD cerebellum is described for the first time, together with its protection by scFv-h3D6.

An anti-Aβ (amyloid β) single-chain variable fragment prevents amyloid fibril formation and cytotoxicity by withdrawing Aβ oligomers from the amyloid pathway.

Aβ (amyloid β) immunotherapy has been revealed as a possible tool in Alzheimer's disease treatment. In contrast with complete antibodies, the administration of scFvs (single-chain variable fragments) produces neither meningoencephalitis nor cerebral haemorrhage. In the present study, the recombinant expression of scFv-h3D6, a derivative of an antibody specific for Aβ oligomers, is presented, as well as the subsequent proof of its capability to recover the toxicity induced by the Aβ1-42 peptide in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line.