Abstract

Neuroinflammation has been implicated in both neurodegenerative diseases, however, it’s contribution to the disease pathogenesis is not well understood. Dr. Taylor’s current work is focussed on understanding the role of the type-1 interferons in modulating this neuroinflammatory response in these diseases and has identified a key role for these cytokines in both AD (APP/PS1)(1) and PD (MPTP)(2) mouse models. Our studies also confirmed that blocking type I IFN signaling with a monoclonal antibody reduces neuroinflammation and neuronal cell loss induced by MPTP , with improvements in behavioral outcomes(2). In this presentation, Dr. Taylor will discuss recent work looking at the type-1 IFNs in cell models and animal models of AD and PD, demonstrating their important role in mediating the early neuroinflammatory response of microglia and also neuronal cell death in these neurodegenerative diseases.

1. Minter et al., (2016) ACTA Neuropathologica Comm.

2. Main et al., (2016) Glia