Human antibodies against amyloid β peptide: A potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Naturally occurring antibodies directed against β-amyloid (Aβ) were detected in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. After intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in patients with different neurological diseases, total Aβ and Aβ_1-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid was reduced significantly compared with baseline values. In the serum, total Aβ levels increased after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, whereas no significant change was observed in Aβ_1-42 levels. Antibodies against Aβ were found to be increased in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. This study provides evidence that intravenous immunoglobulin or purified Aβ antibodies may modify Aβ and Aβ_1-42 levels, suggesting potential utility as a therapy for Alzheimer disease.