APOE and immunity: Research highlights

INTRODUCTIONAt the Alzheimer's Association's APOE and Immunity virtual conference, held in October 2021, leading neuroscience experts shared recent research advances on and inspiring insights into the various roles that both the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) and facets of immunity play in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. METHODSThe meeting brought together more than 1200 registered attendees from 62 different countries, representing the realms of academia and industry. RESULTSDuring the 4-day meeting, presenters illuminated aspects of the cross-talk between APOE and immunity, with a focus on the roles of microglia, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and components of inflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF alpha]). DISCUSSIONThis manuscript emphasizes the importance of diversity in current and future research and presents an integrated view of innate immune functions in Alzheimer's disease as well as related promising directions in drug development.

Automated summary

At the Alzheimer's Association's APOE and Immunity virtual conference, experts discussed recent research advances and insights into the roles of the APOE gene and immunity in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The meeting highlighted the importance of diverse research and presented new directions in drug development for Alzheimer's disease.