Apoptotic neurons and amyloid-beta clearance by phagocytosis in Alzheimer's disease: Pathological mechanisms and therapeutic outlooks

Amir Tajbakhsh, Morgayn Read, George E. Barreto, Marco Ávila-Rodriguez, Seyed Mohammad Gheibi-Hayat, Amirhossein Sahebkar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Neuronal survival and axonal renewal following central nervous system damage and in neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), can be enhanced by fast clearance of neuronal apoptotic debris, as well as the removal of amyloid beta (Aβ) by phagocytic cells through the process of efferocytosis. This process quickly inhibits the release of proinflammatory and antigenic autoimmune constituents, enhancing the formation of a microenvironment vital for neuronal survival and axonal regeneration. Therefore, the detrimental features associated with microglial phagocytosis uncoupling, such as the accumulation of apoptotic cells, inflammation and phagoptosis, could exacerbate the pathology in brain disease. Some mechanisms of efferocytosis could be targeted by several promising agents, such as curcumin, URMC-099 and Y–P30, which have emerged as potential treatments for AD. This review aims to investigate and update the current research regarding the signaling molecules and pathways involved in efferocytosis and how these could be targeted as a potential therapy in AD.

Original languageEnglish
Article number173873
Pages (from-to)-
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology
Volume895
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyloid beta
  • Apoptosis
  • Corpse clearance
  • Efferocytosis
  • Microglia
  • Phagocytic clearance
  • “Eat-me” signal

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