Screening markers and methods for neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

The invention includes identification of specific markers, the elevation of which in central nervous tissue is associated with Alzheimer's Disease. The invention also includes improved assay methods for selecting compounds useful in reducing or preventing onset of the pathology associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

1 - 54 . (canceled)  
     
     
         55 . A method of monitoring efficacy of a test compound or drug in reducing amyloid plaque burden in the central nervous system of a non-human mammalian test animal, comprising 
 measuring in the central nervous system of a test animal treated with said test compound or drug an amount of an efficacy marker selected from the group consisting of MHC II α chain, MHC II (Ia) light chain, CD86, MCP-1, CCR5, CCR2, GRO(=KC), MIP2, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IFN-γ, CD3ε, CD4, IgG-1, κ (light chain), and GFAP, and    determining that said test compound or drug is efficacious if the amount of said efficacy marker present in said test animal central nervous system is significantly different than an amount of said efficacy marker present in the central nervous system of a control animal.    
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein said test animal is genetically pre-disposed to brain amyloid plaque formation.  
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein said test animal is a PDAPP mouse.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein said amount of said efficacy marker in the test animal is significantly higher than said amount of marker present in said control animal.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein said measuring is carried out in tissue derived from the brain of said animal.  
     
     
         60 . An efficacy marker profile for measuring efficacy of a test compound in reducing amyloid burden in a mammalian subject, comprising 
 at least two molecules selected from the group consisting of MHC II α chain, MHC II (Ia) light chain, CD86, MCP-1, CCR5, CCR2, GRO(=KC), MIP2, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IFN-γ, CD3ε, CD4, IgG-1, κ (light chain) and GFAP.    
     
     
         61 . The efficacy marker profile of  claim 60 , wherein said test compound produces an immunological response in said subject.