Imagine a superhero vaccine that fights off not one, but multiple foes. Well, that’s what researchers have discovered with the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). While commonly used to treat bladder cancer, exposing elderly patients to the BCG vaccine also showed a significant reduction in the risk of developing AD. Interestingly, other vaccines targeting different infectious microorganisms had a similar, albeit weaker, effect. This suggests that the immune effects on AD are not specific to a particular antigen, but rather a general metabolic consequence of activating the immune system. In fact, it’s akin to the immune system’s role in Juvenile diabetes. The exact mechanism behind BCG’s preventive effect against AD remains unclear, but researchers speculate that it may impact the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascade and pathways related to energy metabolism. Moreover, activated immune cells may play a role in replacing dysfunctional astrocytes that fail to support neuronal energy metabolism. This exciting new research shines a light on how immune cells may bridge the gap between BCG vaccination and AD, ultimately supporting the overall health of our central nervous system.
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin is frequently the treatment of choice of superficial bladder cancer. Exposing the urinary bladder of elderly patients with bladder cancer to the BCG vaccine reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) substantially. Vaccines against other infectious microorganisms by other vaccination methods showed a similar but a lesser effect. This suggests that immune effects on AD are antigenically non-specific, likely being a metabolic result of immune system activation, similar to that shown for Juvenile diabetes. In this mini review we point to the benefit of BCG vaccine. We then briefly highlight the pathological involvement of the immune system in the AD both, in the peripheral and the central (brain) compartments. Given the uncertain prophylactic mechanism of the BCG effect against AD we propose to take advantage of the therapeutically planned bladder exposure to BCG. Based on pathological aggregation of wrongly cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP) resistant to the unfolded protein response (UPR) which results in amyloid beta plaques we predict that BCG may impact the UPR signaling cascade. In addition pathways of innate immunity training concerned with energy metabolism, predict capability of activated immune cells to substitute deranged astrocytes that fail to support neuronal energy metabolism. This mini review points to ways through which immune cells can mediate between BCG vaccination and AD to support the wellness of the central nervous system.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.