Cancer Protein May Unlock a New Avenue for Alzheimer’s Treatment

In a mouse study, tumors produced the protein cystatin-C, which traveled to the brain, bound toxic amyloid oligomers, and activated microglia via the TREM2 receptor to clear plaques, improving cognitive tasks. While promising as a novel research path beyond amyloid-lowering strategies, whether these effects translate to humans remains unknown and more work is needed; the study warns against pursuing cancer as a therapy and emphasizes early-stage findings.