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Scavenger receptor-mediated adhesion of microglia to β-amyloid fibrils

Abstract

A PATHOLOGICALhallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the senile plaque, containing β-amyloid fibrils, microglia and astrocytes1. β-amyloid fibrils exert a cytotoxic effect on neurons2, and stimulate microglia to produce neurotoxins, such as reactive oxygen species3,4. Mononuclear phagocytes, including microglia, express scavenger receptors that mediate endocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoproteins5, and adhesion to glucose-modified extracellular matrix proteins6. Here we report that class A scavenger receptors mediate adhesion of rodent microglia and human monocytes to β-amyloid fibril-coated surfaces leading to secretion of reactive oxygen species and cell immobilization. Thus, class A scavenger receptors are potential therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease.

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Khoury, J., Hickman, S., Thomas, C. et al. Scavenger receptor-mediated adhesion of microglia to β-amyloid fibrils. Nature 382, 716–719 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1038/382716a0

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