In the elderly, a debilitating condition known as dementia, which is a major health concern, is caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite promising advances by researchers, there is currently no way to completely cure this devastating disease. It is illustrated by the deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) plaques that are followed by neural dysfunction and cognitive decline. Responses against AD activate an immune system that contributes to and accelerates AD pathogenesis. Potential efforts in the field of pathogenesis have prompted researchers to explore novel therapies such as active and passive vaccines against Aβ proteins (Aβ immunotherapy), intravenous immunoglobulin, and tau immunotherapy, as well as targets that include microglia and several cytokines for the treatment of AD. Aims are now underway by experts to begin immunotherapies before the clinical manifestation, which is made possible by improving the sensitivity of biomarkers used for the diagnosis of AD to have better outcome measures. This review provides an overview of approved immunotherapeutic strategies for AD and those currently being investigated in clinical trials. We examine their mechanisms of action and discuss the potential perspectives and challenges associated with immunotherapies for AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; amyloid β peptide; astrocytes; intravenous immunoglobulin; microglia; tau.