Alzheimer’s Disease of the Immune System: A New Variant of Immune Deficiency

Abstract

The interaction between infectious pathogens and the immune system has been a focus of research for many years. However, the failure of re-recognition or immune memory of infectious pathogen remains a clear mystery A memory B cell defect coupled with low levels of C1-INH and/or C1-INH function-failure of both the innate and adaptive immune components-may lead to persistent unresolved infection. Here we present 3 case studies that explore the abnormal immune response that may lead to persistent infection. These cases offer possible clarification of a longstanding clinical observation that some patients may develop a post infectious syndrome that includes various neurological symptoms and unusual fatigue. These patients may have positive serology seen only during acute infectious phase and have a documented positive PCR, suggesting active presence of the pathogen. The unusual presentation is prolonged and irreversible. We use the term "Alzheimer's disease of the immune system" to identify this subtype due to the memory defect of the immune system. As we identified 3 common immune defects in all cases, we suggest a new immune deficiency leading to the post infectious syndrome.

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