Prenatal immune activation and adult Poly(I:C) re-challenge promote neuroimmune priming and AD-related behavioural, cellular and molecular alterations in wild-type mice - Report - MDSpire

Prenatal immune activation and adult Poly(I:C) re-challenge promote neuroimmune priming and AD-related behavioural, cellular and molecular alterations in wild-type mice

  • By

  • Giacomo Giacovazzo

  • Valentina Latina

  • Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever

  • Iliana Piccolino

  • Filomena Iannuzzi

  • Paola Bossù

  • Giuseppina Amadoro

  • Roberto Coccurello

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Maternal Immune Activation and Adult Poly(I:C) Re-exposure Induce Neuroimmune Priming

Overview

This study investigates the effects of maternal immune activation and subsequent adult re-exposure to Poly(I:C) on cognitive and neurobiological changes in wild-type mice. Findings indicate that such immune challenges lead to persistent behavioral deficits and neurodegeneration.

Background

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, with evidence linking peripheral immune activation to neurodegenerative processes.

Data Highlights

Behavioral AssessmentFindings
Recognition MemoryImpaired
Working MemoryImpaired
Conditioned Place PreferenceReduced
Social InteractionBlunted

Key Findings

  • Poly(I:C)-exposed mice showed impaired recognition and working memory.
  • Reduced palatable food-induced conditioned place preference was observed.
  • Social investigation behaviors were blunted in affected mice.
  • Increased amyloidogenic APP processing and tau dysregulation were noted in the hippocampus.
  • Microglial activation and synaptic alterations were present alongside bioenergetic impairments.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that maternal immune activation may have long-lasting effects on neuroimmune function and cognitive health in offspring.

Conclusion

The study presents findings on prenatal and postnatal immune challenges contributing to neurodegenerative phenotypes relevant to Alzheimer's disease.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Brain, 2025 -- Altered T-cell reactivity in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2012 -- Formation of immune complexes within the brain triggers inflammation reliant on Fc receptor interactions
  3. Acta Neuropathologica, 2017 -- Microglial Activation and Synaptic Deterioration Linked to Behavioral Changes in Mouse Offspring Following In Utero Exposure to CASPR2 Antibodies
  4. Archives of Toxicology, 2015 -- Effects of Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure on Neuronal Structure in the Hippocampal CA1 Region of Developing and Aged Mice
  5. Alzheimer's Association Clinical Practice Guideline, 2023 -- Clinical Practice Guideline on the use of blood-based biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of suspected Alzheimer's disease within specialized care settings
  6. Long-term safety and efficacy of lecanemab in early Alzheimer's disease, 2025 -- Results from the clarity AD open-label extension study
  7. Viral infections and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review
  8. Alzheimer's Association Clinical Practice Guideline on the use of blood-based biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of suspected Alzheimer's disease within specialized care settings - PubMed
  9. Long‐term safety and efficacy of lecanemab in early Alzheimer's disease: Results from the clarity AD open‐label extension study - PMC

Original Source(s)

Prenatal immune activation and adult Poly(I:C) re-challenge promote neuroimmune priming and AD-related behavioural, cellular and molecular alterations in wild-type mice

  • by Giacomo Giacovazzo, Valentina Latina, Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever, Iliana Piccolino, Filomena Iannuzzi, Paola Bossù, Giuseppina Amadoro, Roberto Coccurello

  • July 8, 2026

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