Alzheimer's Protein Provides Insights for Cancer Treatment Strategies

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer's disease and cancer, centered around the role of the amyloid beta protein. While amyloid beta is known for its damaging effects on neurons in Alzheimer’s, new evidence suggests it also enhances immune function, potentially offering protective benefits against cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, illustrates how amyloid beta fortifies T-cells in the immune system by inhibiting mitophagy, thus maintaining mitochondrial function and boosting the body’s ability to combat tumors.

Epidemiological data over five years revealed that adults over 59 with Alzheimer’s are significantly less likely—by a factor of 21—to develop cancer, hinting at an underlying biological connection. The investigation pinpointed amyloid beta as a key player, showing that in neural tissue, it hampers mitochondrial cleanup, contributing to neural damage and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Conversely, in immune cells like T-cells, amyloid beta prevents mitochondrial degradation, leading to stronger immune responses.

Further experiments demonstrated that transplanting mitochondria from Alzheimer’s T-cells into aging T-cells reactivated their energy production, effectively rejuvenating their function. Additionally, amyloid beta impacts fumarate levels within mitochondria, regulating mitophagy. Reduced fumarate causes excessive mitochondrial recycling, weakening immune cells. Supplementing fumarate preserved mitochondrial integrity and enhanced immune defenses, offering a potential avenue to bolster anti-tumor immunity.

These discoveries open the door to innovative cancer therapies that focus on restoring mitochondrial health, such as mitochondrial transplantation and fumarate-based treatments, which could augment existing immunotherapies like CAR-T cell therapy. Moreover, maintaining mitochondrial function may slow immune aging, improving health span and resilience in older adults.

Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the dual nature of amyloid beta, emphasizing its complex roles in both neurodegeneration and immune regulation. Harnessing its beneficial aspects without harm could lead to breakthroughs in treating cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. This collaborative effort across cancer and immunology disciplines highlights the potential for cross-domain advances in medicine.