Role of Receptors in Relation to Plaques and Tangles in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 30;22(23):12987. doi: 10.3390/ijms222312987.

Abstract

Despite the identification of Aβ plaques and NFTs as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, therapeutic interventions remain elusive, with neither an absolute prophylactic nor a curative medication available to impede the progression of AD presently available. Current approaches focus on symptomatic treatments to maintain AD patients' mental stability and behavioral symptoms by decreasing neuronal degeneration; however, the complexity of AD pathology requires a wide range of therapeutic approaches for both preventive and curative treatments. In this regard, this review summarizes the role of receptors as a potential target for treating AD and focuses on the path of major receptors which are responsible for AD progression. This review gives an overall idea centering on major receptors, their agonist and antagonist and future prospects of viral mimicry in AD pathology. This article aims to provide researchers and developers a comprehensive idea about the different receptors involved in AD pathogenesis that may lead to finding a new therapeutic strategy to treat AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; G-protein-coupled receptors; N-methyl D-aspartate receptors; amyloid beta; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • GABA Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / pathology
  • Plaque, Amyloid / pathology*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / biosynthesis*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • GABA Antagonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid