19 Dec ASU Study Finds Link Between Intestinal Virus and Alzheimer’s Disease

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Readhead

Benjamin Readhead PhD
Research Associate Professor
Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center
Biodesign Institute
Arizona State University

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Our study describes a surprising link between an intestinal infection with a common virus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and the development of Alzheimer’s in a subset of people with the disease.

In a study published earlier this year in the journal Nature Communications, we found that research participants with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely than those without it to harbor a particular immune cell type (“CD83(+) microglia”) in their brains. While trying to uncover what might be driving the presence of these CD83(+) microglia, we discovered an antibody (IgG4) in the intestine of these same subjects that were suggestive of the possibility that some kind of infection might contribute to this form of the disease.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  In this current study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, we tried to understand what might be driving this intestinal antibody production. We examined spinal fluid from these same individuals which revealed that the antibodies were specifically against HCMV. This prompted us to look directly for evidence of HCMV infection within the intestine and brain tissue from these subjects – which we found. We also saw HCMV within the vagus nerve – the major nerve connecting the gut and brain – of these same subjects, raising the possibility that this is how the virus is making its way to the brain.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: One lesson I take from this study is the immense power of taking a pro-complexity, multidisciplinary approach to understanding a multifaceted disease like Alzheimer’s disease. Our study was only made possible by being able to follow the data where it led, and in this case, although our story began in the brain, it took us to the gut, the spinal fluid, the vagus nerve and then finally back up to the brain. As such, it’s an example of the profound impact that peripheral processes (such as infections) can exert on neurological function. This study also stands as a testament to the generosity of our research participants, without whose contributions it would not have been possible.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: We’re excited for other teams and collaborators to put our findings to the test and see how they replicate in additional Alzheimer’s cohorts. One of the translational directions that we’re looking into is a clinical trial to evaluate whether there may be a role for careful use of existing antiviral medications to treat HCMV infection in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and biomarker evidence of HCMV, IgG4, or CD83(+) microglia.

Citation: Readhead BP, Mastroeni DF, Wang Q, et al. Alzheimer’s disease-associated CD83(+) microglia are linked with increased immunoglobulin G4 and human cytomegalovirus in the gut, vagal nerve, and brain. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2024; 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14401

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Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD