Decreased amyloid-β and increased neuronal hyperactivity by immunotherapy in Alzheimer's models

Immunotherapy with antibodies targeting the amyloid-β peptide has yet to show any cognitive benefit in Alzheimer's disease patients in clinical trials. In vivo two-photon imaging in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease now reveals that these antibodies do not alleviate neuronal dysfunction and can even worsen it. Among the most promising approaches for treating Alzheimer´s disease is immunotherapy with amyloid-β (Aβ)-targeting antibodies. Using in vivo two-photon imaging in mouse models, we found that two different antibodies to Aβ used for treatment were ineffective at repairing neuronal dysfunction and caused an increase in cortical hyperactivity. This unexpected finding provides a possible cellular explanation for the lack of cognitive improvement by immunotherapy in human studies.