Gosset Molecular Classification
Aggregate, Extracellular deposit
Other Names
Amyloid plaques, Neuritic plaques, Senile plaques, Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques
Disease Roles
Amyloid-beta Plaque Overview
Amyloid-beta plaques are extracellular deposits primarily composed of aggregated amyloid beta peptides (Aβ), which accumulate in the brain and are a defining neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. They exist in different forms, with dense-core plaques being more closely associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Therapeutic strategies targeting Aβ plaques aim to reduce their formation, promote their clearance, or neutralize their toxic effects.
Mechanism of Action
Target for therapies aiming to reduce Aβ production, aggregation, or promote clearance.
Biological Functions
Aggregation
Neuroinflammation
Synaptic dysfunction
Neuronal death
Disease Associations
Alzheimer's Disease
Neurodegenerative disease
Safety Considerations
- ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities)
- Off-target effects of Aβ-targeting therapies
- Incomplete understanding of plaque formation and impact on disease progression
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Plaque density on PET imaging |
| Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in cerebrospinal fluid |