Passive immunotherapy targeting pathogenic tau restores neuronal structure and function following spinal cord injury.

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether eliminating cis pT231-tau with a specific monoclonal antibody can restore neuronal structure and function after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Adult Wistar rats underwent SCI induction using the NYU impactor device. Animals received treatment with cis pT231-tau monoclonal antibody or placebo. Outcomes were assessed via immunostaining, immunoblotting, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) behavioral test to evaluate motor function recovery. RESULTS: Treatment with cis pT231-tau monoclonal antibody reduced inflammatory markers, enhanced myelin sheath formation, increased NF200 protein expression, and decreased GFAP levels compared with placebo. Behavioral testing indicated improved motor function in treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Eliminating cis pT231-tau using a specific monoclonal antibody mitigates neuronal damage and promotes structural and functional recovery following SCI, highlighting its therapeutic potential.