Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangle formation. Monocyte is part of the innate immune system and can effectively remove dead cells and debris. It has been suggested that Aβ can recruit monocytes into brain in AD mice, resulting in restriction of cerebral amyloidosis. However, monocyte may act as a double-edged sword, either beneficial (e.g., clearance of Aβ) or detrimental (e.g., secretion of neurotoxic factors). In addition, recent studies indicate that in AD patients, Aβ phagocytosis by monocytes is ineffective. The present review mainly summarized the current knowledge on monocytes and their potential roles in AD.
阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer’s disease, AD)是神经退行性疾病中最常见的类型。 胞外β淀粉样蛋白(amyloid beta, Aβ)的沉积和胞内神经原纤维的缠结是典型的AD神经病理学特征。 单核细胞是天然免疫细胞, 可以有效清除坏死细胞及碎片。 在AD模型鼠上的许多实验研究表明, Aβ可以使单核细胞向大脑募集, 从而限制脑内的淀粉样变性。 然而, 单核细胞也是一把双刃剑: 一方面它可以清除Aβ, 另一方面它又能分泌神经毒性因子, 损伤神经细胞。 此外, 近来也有研究表明, 在AD患者脑内, 单核细胞并不能有效清除Aβ沉积。 本综述主要对单核细胞及其在AD中的潜在角色进行讨论。