Ryder Davidson, Reese Krider, Philip Borsellino, Keith Noorda, George Alhwayek, and Thomas Vida (all Medicine) have published "Untangling Tau: Molecular Insights into Neuroinflammation, Pathophysiology, and Emerging Immunotherapies" in Current Issues in Molecular Biology.
In the narrative review, "Untangling Tau: Molecular Insights into Neuroinflammation, Pathophysiology, and Emerging Immunotherapies," medical students Davidson (’26), Krider (’26), Borsellino (’26), Noorda (’24), Alhwayek (’26), under the mentorship of assistant professor Thomas A. Vida at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, confront the alarming rise in Alzheimer's disease (AD) — the leading form of dementia in those over 60 — with cases projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060. They explore the connection between midlife health complications—hypertension, dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury—and heightened AD risk, pointing to chronic inflammation as a common denominator and a key feature of Alzheimer’s pathology. The review focuses on the critical role of neuroinflammation, exacerbated by the dysfunction of tau proteins, essential for cellular integrity but which, when altered, lead to cognitive decline. It underscores the innovative potential of immunotherapy targeting pathologic tau, suggesting a transformative approach to AD treatment, beyond the scope of traditional drugs. Despite the mixed outcomes in clinical trials, these strategies are emerging as a promising frontier in the ongoing battle against neurodegenerative diseases.
