Amyloid-beta peptide 1-15 (Aβ1-15) (Aβ1-15)

Amyloid-beta 1-15 is a short N-terminal fragment of the Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, which is derived from the proteolytic cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) (UniProt: P05067). This specific fragment is highly significant in the development of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics because it contains the primary B-cell epitope required for antibody production (Wiessner et al., 2011, J Neurosci). Crucially, it lacks the T-cell epitopes found in the C-terminal portion (residues 16-42) of the full-length Aβ peptide, which helps avoid inflammatory side effects like meningoencephalitis (Winblad et al., 2012, Lancet Neurol). By focusing on this 1-15 sequence, researchers aim to develop active vaccines, such as CAD106, that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against Aβ plaques. These antibodies promote the clearance of amyloid deposits or prevent the aggregation of Aβ monomers into toxic oligomers and fibrils (Novartis, 2020). Consequently, Aβ1-15 serves as a critical tool for safe and effective immunotherapeutic strategies against neurodegeneration. It is primarily associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology, where Aβ accumulation is a hallmark feature (NIH, 2023).

Other names

Abeta 1-15Amyloid-beta protein fragment 1-15Aβ(1-15)Aβ1-15

Active immunization using the Aβ1-15 fragment as an antigen to stimulate B-cell production of antibodies that target and clear amyloid-beta plaques in the brain (Winblad et al., 2012, Lancet Neurol).