Background and aimsThe deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies have shown that ASC specks released by activated microglia can bind to Aβ and promote its aggregation, thereby accelerating AD progression.
However, the specific mechanisms underlying this interaction remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify the interaction sites between ASC and Aβ, design a vaccine targeting these sites, and evaluate its immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy.MethodsThe interaction regions between ASC and Aβ were identified using pull-down and ELISA assays.
Four types of nanoparticle carriers were purified using a prokaryotic expression system, and two peptides targeting the interaction sites were synthesized in vitro. These peptides were conjugated to the carriers via the SpyCatcher-SpyTag system.
C57BL/6J mice were immunized with the constructed nanoparticles, and the immunogenicity of the vaccines was assessed by ELISA, while safety was evaluated by ELISpot.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 13 May 2026.
The item focuses on The inhibition of the Aβ-ASC interaction site suppresses β-amyloid aggregation and cytotoxicity.
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