The ME7 prion model of neurodegeneration as a tool to understand and target neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

To develop disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an understanding of the pathways that lead to synaptic damage and neuronal cell death is required. The ME7 prion mouse model shares hallmarks of human neurodegenerative diseases and has a well-defined disease progression that can be monitored non-invasively through changes in behaviour. In addition, a strong involvement of neuroinflammation in ME7 disease progression and systemic inflammatory challenge has provided rationale to study and target cytokines in human AD patients. Furthermore, susceptibility of the model to acute cognitive deficits generated a model of delirium has supported human dementia studies. Thus, the ME7 prion model provides a translatable model of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation that could provide validation of potential treatments against the inflammatory response during neurodegeneration.