The CD33 gene is linked to amyloid pathology and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and studies show that excessive amounts of CD33 play a role in the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. A variant of the gene CD33 impedes the clearance of amyloid beta. However, a mutation of the gene also causes amyloid to be cleared more quickly and is actually protective against the disease. 

Rudy Tanzi, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital