Title

The viral hypothesis: how herpesviruses may contribute to Alzheimer's disease.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-10-2021

Publication Title

Molecular psychiatry

Abstract

The hypothesis that infectious agents, particularly herpesviruses, contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis has been investigated for decades but has long engendered controversy. In the past 3 years, several studies in mouse models, human tissue models, and population cohorts have reignited interest in this hypothesis. Collectively, these studies suggest that many of the hallmarks of AD, like amyloid beta production and neuroinflammation, can arise as a protective response to acute infection that becomes maladaptive in the case of chronic infection. We place this work in its historical context and explore its etiological implications.

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Institute for Systems Biology

Department

Neurosciences

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