Alzheimer’s Drug Lecanemab Works by “Switching On” the Brain’s Cleanup Cells
Study reveals Fc fragment of antibody is essential for activating microglia to clear amyloid plaques
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Lecanemab activates brain immune cells via its Fc fragment, enhancing the clearance of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease.
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The Fc portion of lecanemab acts as a molecular switch, engaging microglial receptors to trigger plaque degradation.
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Lecanemab induces a specific microglial gene expression program linked to phagocytosis and lysosomal degradation.
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The drug's activation of microglia does not cause excessive synapse loss, preserving surrounding neural structures.
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Future strategies may involve fine-tuning Fc interactions or directly stimulating microglial pathways for safer treatments.
