Microtubule-associated protein tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (pTau217) (pTau217)

Microtubule-associated protein tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (pTau217) is a post-translationally modified form of the tau protein that serves as a critical biomarker and therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease [1, 3]. In healthy neurons, tau stabilizes microtubules; however, in pathological states, hyperphosphorylation at the Thr217 site leads to its dissociation from microtubules and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles [2]. pTau217 is particularly notable because its levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid correlate strongly with amyloid-beta pathology and tau tangles, often rising years before clinical symptoms appear [4]. As a therapeutic target, pTau217 is the focus of immunotherapy efforts where monoclonal antibodies are designed to selectively bind and clear these phosphorylated species to halt the progression of neurodegeneration [1, 2]. Current clinical strategies involve using pTau217 levels to monitor the efficacy of anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies, as a reduction in this protein often correlates with slowed disease progression [4].

Other names

p-tau217Phospho-tau (Thr217)Tau-p217MAPT (pThr217)

Passive immunization via monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific tau epitopes to facilitate clearance by microglia and prevent the propagation of tau aggregates [1, 2].