Researchers are exploring the use of a protein called memapsin 2 as a vaccine against Alzheimer's disease.

Tang and his colleagues at OMRF previously had identified the cutting enzyme (known as memapsin 2) that [clears] the protein fragments believed to be the culprit behind Alzheimer's. In the current study, researchers used mice that had been genetically engineered to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's, then immunized the animals with memapsin 2.

"What we saw is that the mice immunized with memapsin 2 developed 35 percent fewer plaques than their non-vaccinated counterparts," said Tang. "Those immunized mice also performed better than control mice in tests designed to assess their cognitive function."

The drug, which works by inhibiting the cutting enzyme, began human clinical trials in the summer of 2007.

Source: OMRF