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 inhibiting synapse loss in a patient afflicted with a neurodegenerative disorder triggered or exacerbated by traumatic injury to the brain, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutic amount of a complement inhibitor to thereby treat the neurodegenerative disorder, wherein the complement inhibitor is an antibody that binds to a component of the C1 complex, wherein the component of the C1 complex is selected from the group consisting of C1q, C1s and 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. A method of treating a patient afflicted with a neurodegenerative disorder triggered or exacerbated by traumatic injury to the brain, the method comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a complement inhibitor to the patient to thereby treat the neurodegenerative disorder, wherein the complement inhibitor is an antibody that binds to a component of the C1 complex, wherein the component of the C1 complex is selected from the group consisting of C1q, C1s and C1r.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the antibody binds to C1q.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the antibody binds to C1s.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the antibody binds to C1r.