Modulation of synaptic maintenance
C1q is shown to be expressed in neurons, where it acts as a signal for synapse elimination. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of synapse loss. These findings have broad implications for a variety of clinical conditions, including treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
1. A method of treating a patient suffering from cognitive decline, the method comprising administering to the patient an antibody that binds to C1q, C1s, or C1r.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody binds to C1q.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody binds to C1s.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antibody binds to C1r.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cognitive decline is triggered or exacerbated by synapse loss.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cognitive decline is triggered or exacerbated by injury to the brain.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the injury to the brain is sepsis, trauma, toxin, or ischemia.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cognitive decline is a dementia or memory loss.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cognitive decline is age-associated cognitive impairment.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cognitive decline is a worsening of mental functions over time.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the worsening of mental functions is an inability to plan or follow instructions.
12. A method of inhibiting synapse loss in a patient suffering from cognitive decline, the method comprising administering to the patient an antibody that binds to C1q, C1s, or C1r.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the antibody binds to C1q.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the antibody binds to C1s.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the antibody binds to C1r.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the cognitive decline is triggered or exacerbated by injury to the brain.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the injury to the brain is sepsis, trauma, toxin, or ischemia.
18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the cognitive decline is a dementia or memory loss.
19. The method of claim 12 , wherein the cognitive decline is age-associated cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment.
20. The method of claim 12 , wherein the cognitive decline is a worsening of mental functions.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the worsening of mental functions is an inability to plan or follow instructions.