CXCR3 antibody protects mouse brains from tauopathy damage

Researchers at WashU Medicine blocked CXCR3, the receptor that lets T cells enter the brain, in mice with tau buildup. T cell counts in the brain fell by about half, memory regions retained roughly 40% more tissue, and memory test scores improved even though tau levels were unchanged. The findings appeared September 28 in Neuron.

• The CXCR3 antibody was given once every five days for 3.5 months
• Treated mice had about half as many T cells in the brain
• Memory-related brain regions retained roughly 40% more tissue
• Tau tangle levels were similar in treated and untreated mice