Amyloid-beta peptide (1-6) (Aβ1-6)

Amyloid-beta peptide (1-6), also known as Aβ1-6, is the N-terminal hexapeptide fragment of the amyloid-beta protein, which is centrally involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease [1], [2]. This specific fragment contains the immunodominant B-cell epitope (sequence DAEFRH) of the full-length Aβ peptide [3], [11]. It is a primary target for second-generation Alzheimer's vaccines and monoclonal antibodies because it can stimulate a robust humoral immune response without activating the pro-inflammatory T-cells associated with the central domain of Aβ [1], [13]. By targeting this N-terminal region, therapeutic agents aim to facilitate the clearance of amyloid plaques and neutralize toxic Aβ oligomers through microglial-mediated phagocytosis [4], [13]. Clinical candidates like the CAD106 vaccine (Amilomotide) utilize Aβ1-6 to induce high titers of anti-Aβ antibodies while maintaining a favorable safety profile compared to earlier full-length peptide vaccines [5], [11]. Other monoclonal antibodies, such as Bapineuzumab and Aducanumab, target epitopes that overlap with this fragment to achieve similar therapeutic effects [13].

Other names

Aβ(1-6)DAEFRHAmyloid beta N-terminal fragmentAmyloid-beta 1-6

Active and passive immunotherapy targeting the N-terminal epitope of amyloid-beta to promote microglial-mediated clearance of plaques and neutralize toxic oligomers [1], [13].