Inhibition of Tau Protein Aggregation Using Small Molecule Inhibitors and Immunotherapies

Abstract Background Tau protein aggregation is one of the biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases and is a viable drug target. Small molecules and immunotherapies have been tested targeting tauopathies. Understanding of the inhibitor mode‐of‐action is needed in order to develop effective drugs against neurodegeneration. Method The full length tau protein (2N4R, 441) was used in vitro with aggregation inducers: heparin and arachidonic acid. We have used small molecule inhibitors based of dopamine receptor agonist as inhibitors of tau aggregation in vitro. The inhibition of tau aggregation was also conducted in vitro using anti‐tau antibodies. The biophysical methods including electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to measure inhibitor efficiency. Result The anti‐tau antibodies which target epitope in R1‐R4 repeat domain were most effective in inhibition aggregation. The small molecules containing catechol groups were effective aggregation inhibitors and were in micromolar range, which was similar to the efficacy of methylene blue. Conclusion The tau aggregation was inhibited in vitro using dual approach, with small and large molecules, indicating that both strategies are viable against tauopathies. Future work will require design of multifunctional inhibitors to improve selectivity and potency.