New Method Developed to Design Alzheimer's Antibodies

The new Alzheimer's antibodies only latched on to the harmful clumped proteins and not the harmless monomers or single peptides that are not associated with disease.

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to design antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles that lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Antibodies are large proteins produced by the immune system to combat infection and disease. They are comprised of a large Y-shaped protein topped with small peptide loops. These loops bind to harmful invaders in the body, such as a viruses or bacteria. Once an antibody is bound to its target, the immune system sends cells to destroy the invader. Finding the right antibody can determine the difference between death and recovery.

Scientists have long sought methods for designing antibodies to combat specific ailments. However, the incredible complexity of designing antibodies that only attached to a target