Defining the role of CD8+ T-cells in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimers Disease is the most common form of dementia. For a long time it was thought that the prime cause of Alzheimers Disease is the formation of protein depositions, so called amyloid plaques, in the brain of patients. In the last couple of years, there is more and more evidence that the immune system plays an essential role in the development of Alzheimers Disease. On one hand, the Alzheimer brain contains immune phagocytes, so called microglia, which are involved in immune responses and inflammation reactions. On the other hand, we recently noticed and described that cytotoxic immune cells, so called CD8 T-cells, invade from the blood into the brain and contact microglia, neurons, and nerve fibers, most likely influencing their cell activities and functions. In this project, we will identify the role of the CD8 T-cells in Alzheimers disease. We will eliminate the CD8 T-cells in Alzheimer disease mice at different stages of disease and will analyze the effects on brain cells and brain functions. The project will generate data and knowledge that will allow the identification of novel approaches for the treatment of patients with Alzheimers disease.