Targeting of nonlipidated, aggregated apoE with antibodies inhibits amyloid accumulation.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The apolipoprotein E E4 allele of the APOE gene is the strongest genetic factor for late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD). There is compelling evidence that apoE influences Alzheimer disease (AD) in large part by affecting amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and clearance; however, the molecular mechanism underlying these findings remains largely unknown. Herein, we tested whether anti-human apoE antibodies can decrease Aβ pathology in mice producing both human Aβ and apoE4, and investigated the mechanism underlying these effects. We utilized APPPS1-21 mice crossed to apoE4-knockin mice expressing human apoE4 (APPPS1-21/APOE4). We discovered an anti-human apoE antibody, anti-human apoE 4 (HAE-4), that specifically recognizes human apoE4 and apoE3 and preferentially binds nonlipidated, aggregated apoE over the lipidated apoE found in circulation. HAE-4 also binds to apoE in amyloid plaques in unfixed brain sections and in living APPPS1-21/APOE4 mice. When delivered centrally or by peripheral injection, HAE-4 reduced Aβ deposition in APPPS1-21/APOE4 mice. Using adeno-associated virus to express 2 different full-length anti-apoE antibodies in the brain, we found that HAE antibodies decreased amyloid accumulation, which was dependent on Fcγ receptor function. These data support the hypothesis that a primary mechanism for apoE-mediated plaque formation may be a result of apoE aggregation, as preferentially targeting apoE aggregates with therapeutic antibodies reduces Aβ pathology and may represent a selective approach to treat AD.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Liao, F; Li, A; Xiong, M; Bien-Ly, N; Jiang, H; Zhang, Y; Finn, MB; Hoyle, R; Keyser, J; Lefton, KB; Robinson, GO; Serrano, JR; Silverman, AP; Guo, JL; Getz, J; Henne, K; Leyns, CE; Gallardo, G; Ulrich, JD; Sullivan, PM; Lerner, EP; Hudry, E; Sweeney, ZK; Dennis, MS; Hyman, BT; Watts, RJ; Holtzman, DM

Published Date

  • May 1, 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 128 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 2144 - 2155

PubMed ID

  • 29600961

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5919821

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1558-8238

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1172/JCI96429

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States