Walters, M.A., Pockes, S., Ashe, K.H. (2026). Targeting Caspase-2 for the Treatment of Dementia. In: Wolfe, M.S. (eds) Advances in Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease. Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, vol 44. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/7355_2026_192
Summary
This article explores caspase-2 as a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementias. It focuses on how caspase-2 alters the neuronal protein tau, contributing to synaptic damage and cognitive decline. Unlike treatments that target disease-related protein buildup, caspase-2 inhibition may help restore impaired brain function. The chapter also reviews progress toward developing peptide-based caspase-2 inhibitors.