Tiny capsules for fighting brain inflammation may lead to new Alzheimer’s treatment
How delivering protein capsules direct to the brain could help treat Alzheimer’s
- A new system, AstroCapsules, has been developed to deliver tiny capsules containing anti-inflammatory proteins to specific parts of the brain.
- These capsules are made from a safe gel and contain brain cells called astrocytes, which contribute to healthy brain function.
- The system aims to combat age-related inflammation associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
- When astrocytes are armed with the anti-inflammatory protein IL-1Ra and encapsulated, they significantly reduce brain inflammation.
- Studies in rodents showed that AstroCapsules could be stably implanted, withstand immune rejection, and secrete IL-1Ra, offering a promising new approach for treating these debilitating diseases.