Soluble amyloid-beta protofibril (Aβ protofibril)

Soluble amyloid-beta protofibrils are intermediate aggregated species of the amyloid-beta peptide, distinct from monomers, oligomers, and mature fibrils[2][3][4][5][6][8]. These **protofibrils** are soluble, rod-like structures typically composed of aggregated Aβ peptides—most commonly Aβ42—which do not sediment after high-speed centrifugation[4][2]. Protofibrils are believed to be among the most neurotoxic forms of amyloid-beta aggregates, capable of impairing synaptic function, inducing neuronal injury, and promoting inflammatory responses in the brain through microglial activation and cytokine release[4][6]. The formation and accumulation of soluble protofibrils are closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology, with evidence indicating that they seed the formation of insoluble amyloid plaques, disrupt neuronal communication, and mediate cognitive decline[2][3][4][6][8]. Due to their central role in disease mechanisms, they are a major therapeutic target for monoclonal antibodies aiming to neutralize amyloid-beta toxicity and slow disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease[6].

Other names

Soluble amyloid beta protofibrilSoluble Aβ protofibrilAmyloid-β protofibrilAβ protofibrilAmyloid-beta protofibrilProtofibrillar amyloid-beta

Antibody-mediated binding and clearance of soluble amyloid-beta aggregates (immunotherapy) Inhibition or neutralization of protofibril-mediated neurotoxicity