AD/PD 2022 | Inhibition of CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling: a translational perspective for Alzheimer’s disease treatment

Beka Solomon, PhD, Tel Aviv University, Tev Aviv, Israel, discusses the inhibition of CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling as a potential novel target in Alzheimer’s disease. Prof. Solomon has worked for many years in immunotherapy, and 20 years ago, her lab was the first to demonstrate that antibodies can target a specific region of amyloid-β- peptides that can prevent aggregation and dissolve already formed aggregates. Prof. Solomon now works with treating neuroinflammation due to its prevalence in all neurodegenerative diseases. The CXCR4/CXCL12 axis is one of the major signal transduction cascades involved in the inflammation process and homing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) within the bone marrow niche. Using a transgenic and non-transgenic mouse model, they were treated with the AMD3100 inhibitor. Thus, it was found possible to upregulate a monocarboxylate receptor for lactate (MCT1) – suggesting that the combination of AMD3100 with lactate is more effective than individual treatment. Prof. Solomon further explains that through this new stem-cell therapy, there is a possibility of reducing pathology and improving cognitive function – as demonstrated in the mouse models. This interview took place at the AD/PD™ 2022 Conference in Barcelona, Spain.