Initiative Overview
Microglia and astrocytes play a central role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, Alzheimer's Disease & Tauopathies, and Parkinson's Disease. Through a combination of reviews of the latest scientific advances, as well as Biospective's original research studies, we seek to explore the current understanding of the associations between neuroinflammatory cells and neurodegeneration, as well as approaches for disease modification through therapeutic intervention.
What is NF-κB (Nuclear Factor Kappa B)?
An overview of NF-κB, highlighting its role in inflammation and diseases (including neurological disorders), and therapeutic strategies targeting NF-κB.
TMEM119 (transmembrane protein 119) and Microglia
An overview of the significance of TMEM119 in labeling microglia and its role in various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
TNF-α (TNF-alpha) & Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
An overview of TNF-α signaling in astrocytes, its role in neurodegeneration, and therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
Pyroptosis - A Target for Drug Development
An overview of pyroptosis, its role in various diseases, and therapeutic strategies related to pyroptosis pathways.
TREM2, Microglia and Neuroinflammation
An overview of TREM2, its role in microglia, links to neurodegenerative diseases, and potential treatment implications.
APOE4, Microglia & Alzheimer’s Disease
An overview of how ApoE4 influences microglial activity in Alzheimer's disease and the development of targeted therapeutics.
Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1β) and Neurodegenerative Diseases
The role of IL-1beta in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The Inflammasome – A Target for Therapeutic Development for Multiple Diseases
An overview of inflammasomes, including their mechanisms of action, roles in diseases, and targeting for drug development.
What Is IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta, IL-1b)? Function, Signaling, and Biological Role
IL-1β is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in innate immunity and inflammatory disease. It is produced primarily by activated immune cells and synthesized as an inactive precursor that requires inflammasome-mediated processing for activation. Through its effects on immune signaling, cell recruitment, and cytokine production, IL-1β is a key driver of acute and chronic inflammation and an important target in therapeutic research.
What Is NLRP3 (NOD-Like Receptor Protein 3)?
NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) is an intracellular pattern-recognition receptor that plays a central role in innate immunity. Upon activation, NLRP3 assembles the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein complex that triggers caspase-1 activation, maturation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, and inflammatory cell death.
Impaired Microglia Autophagy in Neurodegenerative Diseases
How impaired microglial autophagy contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Microglia-Neuron Interactions & Neurodegenerative Diseases
A concise review of the direct interactions between microglia & neurons, and how these cell-to-cell interactions may be affected in neurodegenerative diseases.
