Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. One of the key drivers of this disease is inflammation in the brain. In this project, we aim to reduce that inflammation by targeting a specific part of the immune system called the complement system. This system helps fight infections, but when overactive in the brain, it can damage healthy cells and worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms. We focus on blocking a harmful member of the complement cascade, which plays a central role in forming the “membrane attack complex” — a structure that can destroy brain cells and lead to memory loss. By stopping this member of the complement cascade, we hope to prevent this damage and slow down the disease. To do this, we are developing a small antibody (called a VHH) that can reach the brain and block this member of the complement cascade. Since the brain is protected by a barrier that keeps most drugs out, we are testing different ways to help this antibody cross that barrier and stay active in the brain longer. Our goal is to create a new treatment that can safely and effectively reduce brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for better care and improved quality of life.
