AD/PD 2022 | Activation of the innate immune system in Alzheimer’s Disease

Huntington Potter, PhD, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, explains the role of the innate immune system in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Innate immune system activation has long been observed in AD, but it was unclear whether it should be blocked or further stimulated until recent work with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Data from mouse models and human patients has shown that increasing GM-CSF was effective for patients, resulting in cognitive improvement and amyloid reduction. These findings suggest the innate immune system should be harnessed for protection against Alzheimer’s disease. This interview took place at the AD/PD™ 2022 Conference in Barcelona, Spain.