News Neuroscience

Alzheimer’s culprit may fight other diseases

Amyloid-beta protein attacks pathogens in mice, worms

A-beta fibrils ensnare yeast cells

LOCKDOWN Strong A-beta fibrils ensnare dangerous yeast cells (black) in a dish, a defensive move that may serve as an important part of the immune system.

D.K.V. Kumar et al/STM 2016

By Laura Sanders

- More than 2 years ago

A notorious Alzheimer’s disease villain may also be a germ-busting superhero. Amyloid-beta gums up the brains of people with Alzheimer’s but also takes out dangerous brain invaders, scientists report May 25 in Science Translational Medicine.