DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC REAGENTS FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

摘要

A synthetic multiphosphorylated peptide derived from the tau protein of the paired helical filaments is described. The Alzheimer disease specificity is provided by the presence of phosphate moieties on nearby serine and threonine residues, and the reverse-turn structure of the multiphosphorylated protein fragment. The multiphosphorylated peptide is useful as an antigen and a binding partner for identifying inhibitor compounds which interact with the peptide and the hyperphosphorylated tau protein, including Alzheimer's specific antibodies. The resulting antibodies are useful diagnostically and therapeutically. The inhibitors that specifically bind to multiphosphorylated tau peptides and proteins are useful for eliminating abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau.