Open AccessTREM2 deficiency reduces the efficacy of immunotherapeutic amyloid clearance
Author(s) -
Xiang Xianyuan,
Werner Georg,
Bohrmann Bernd,
Liesz Arthur,
Mazaheri Fargol,
Capell Anja,
Feederle Regina,
Knuesel Irene,
Kleinberger Gernot,
Haass Christian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
embo molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.923
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1757-4684
pISSN - 1757-4676
DOI - 10.15252/emmm.201606370
Subject(s) - microglia , trem2 , antibody , phagocytosis , amyloid (mycology) , immunology , receptor , pathogenesis , cancer research , biology , medicine , inflammation , pathology , biochemistry
Immunotherapeutic approaches are currently the most advanced treatments for Alzheimer's disease ( AD ). Antibodies against amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) bind to amyloid plaques and induce their clearance by microglia via Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis. Dysfunctions of microglia may play a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis and could result in reduced efficacy of antibody‐mediated Aβ clearance. Recently, heterozygous mutations in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 ( TREM 2 ), a microglial gene involved in phagocytosis, were genetically linked to late onset AD . Loss of TREM 2 reduces the ability of microglia to engulf Aβ. We have now investigated whether loss of TREM 2 affects the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. We show that anti‐Aβ antibodies stimulate Aβ uptake and amyloid plaque clearance in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence or absence of TREM 2. However, TREM 2‐deficient N9 microglial cell lines, macrophages as well as primary microglia showed significantly reduced uptake of antibody‐bound Aβ and as a consequence reduced clearance of amyloid plaques. Titration experiments revealed that reduced efficacy of amyloid plaque clearance by Trem2 knockout cells can be compensated by elevating the concentration of therapeutic antibodies.