T-TrackTM Biomarker
Accurately, and Cost-Effectively, Detect Alzheimer’s Disease before Neurological Damage
Data from the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Wheeler at Cedars-Sinai has identified one of the earliest events in the pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease. His data indicate that the expansion of certain aberrant T cells in the blood, and their subsequent entry into the brain, are among the earliest events in AD. These T cells deplete neurons in areas of the brain involved in AD. Dr. Wheeler has shown that these entry of these T cells into the brain leads to Ab and Tau deposition, as well as neuroinflammation and profound cognitive decline with age – the pathophysiological hallmarks of AD.
Dr. Wheeler has demonstrated that analogous T cells can be detected in human blood samples and their levels are highly correlated with Alzheimer’s Disease. He has devised a method to identify these T cells in human blood- the basis of the T-Track Biomarker Assay. Preliminary testing of this the T-Track Biomarker shows that it uniquely distinguishes early AD patients with little to no overlap between AD and control groups.
Additionally, levels of T-Track Biomarker in the blood correlate with cognitive decline (as determined by MoCA score).
T-TrackTM Diagnostic Workflow
T-TreatTM Therapeutic Intervention
In addition to their potential as a biomarker, Dr. Wheeler has shown that these abnormal T cells can be blocked from entering the brain in mice. This blockage prevents the characteristic pathophysiology of AD, including Ab and Tau deposition, as well as neuroinflammation. Importantly, blocking the T cells from entering the brain protects against cognitive decline that portends Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Wheeler’s method of blocking entry into the brain is the basis of the T-Treat Therapeutic Intervention.
"Novel Blood Cell Biomarker for Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease," Issued 1/11/2023
"Methods and Systems for Identification and Treatment of Pathological Neurodegeneration and Age-Related Cognitive Decline" Filed 2/13/2018