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Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a molecular mechanism driving brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. They discovered that a protein called STING undergoes chemical modifications that cause the brain's immune system to remain in a hyperactive state, which damages the connections between nerve cells. This persistent immune activation appears to be a key driver of neuroinflammation associated with the disease.
Why it matters
Understanding this molecular switch could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating Alzheimer's disease by modulating brain inflammation rather than just targeting amyloid plaques. If STING modifications can be reversed or prevented, it may be possible to reduce neurological damage and slow disease progression.
Scientists at Scripps Research have uncovered a molecular “switch” that appears to fuel the damaging brain inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s disease. They found that a protein called STING becomes chemically altered in a way that keeps the brain’s immune system stuck in overdrive, harming the connections between nerve cells.
Source: Scientists found the hidden switch fueling alzheimer’s brain inflammation