Understanding how systemic infection alters the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Systemic infection and inflammation are associated with the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Our research indicates that systemic infection can rapidly and directly modulate key brain hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid plaques deposition and neurofibrillary tangles. The project aims to understand the role played by peripheral macrophages in this effect. The work will use in vivo and ex vivo approaches. (e.g. behavioural, pharmacological and molecular) in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease.