In partnership with

Hello there, 

When we think about brain health, most of us picture neurons—the cells that send signals and store memories. But new research shows the real guardians of the brain may be the cells forming its borders: blood vessels and immune cells.These cells create the blood-brain barrier, controlling what enters, removing waste, and defending against threats.

A new study published in Neuron by researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF has revealed that many genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and stroke act in these very guardian cells, rather than in neurons. This finding shifts attention to the brain’s borders, where disease risk may begin. Though they look very different, both diseases share a common thread: disruptions in the brain’s blood vessels and immune defenses.

The new study: mapping the brain’s hidden defenses

To understand where genetic risk really acts, the Gladstone team developed a new technology called MultiVINE-seq.

Researchers applied this method to postmortem brain tissue donated by 30 individuals, ranging from healthy controls to people with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. All samples came from donors after death, meaning no procedures were done in living people.

This technology gently separates blood vessel and immune cells from donated human brain tissue. It then measures two layers of information at once:

• Gene activity — which genes are turned on or off

• Chromatin accessibility — the “dimmer switches” that control those genes

By combining these data with large-scale genetic studies, the scientists could see exactly where thousands of Alzheimer’s- and stroke-linked DNA variants are active.

What they found:

• Stroke risk variants disrupted genes that give blood vessels their structural integrity, leaving them weaker and more prone to rupture.

• Alzheimer’s risk variants amplified immune signaling in vascular and immune cells, fueling chronic inflammation instead of repair.

• One common variant boosted PTK2B activity in CD8 T cells, immune cells that normally help the body fight infections. In Alzheimer’s brains, these cells crossed the blood-brain barrier and drove overactive immune responses near plaques. PTK2B is already a cancer drug target, raising the possibility of repurposing existing therapies to protect the brain.

Why it matters:

• Reveals that stroke and Alzheimer’s work differently — stroke stems from weak blood vessels, while Alzheimer’s is fueled by overactive immune cells

• Highlights PTK2B as a promising target, raising the possibility of repurposing existing drugs for faster progress toward new treatments.

• Expands the focus of brain health beyond neurons to include blood vessels and immune defenses

Angiogenesis and Brain’s defenses

These guardian cells sit at the interface between the brain and the body, shaped by both genetics and lifestyle. Their location makes them promising for therapies that can work from the outside in. Healthy angiogenesis, the repair of blood vessels, keeps the brain resilient. When vessels weaken or immune defenses misfire, the brain becomes more vulnerable to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease

The takeaway? This study highlights the brain’s hidden guardians: its blood vessels and immune cells. Supporting these often overlooked players may open new opportunities to better protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and stroke.

Want a practical place to start?

Download our free guide featuring 3 simple ways to support brain circulation and cognitive health

Stay connected with us to receive the latest on evidence-based research, advancements in healthcare, and practical tips.

Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation

P.S. Like what you’re reading? Support our mission to advance research and share science-backed health insights.

Make a donation to the Angiogenesis Foundation today.

Try this to help you unwind before bed

Some nights, slowing down and switching off is the hardest part.

That’s where AGZ comes in—the new nightly drink from AG1 designed to help you unwind, sleep well, and wake up in the morning without the grogginess that you may get from other sleep products.*

Rather than overriding your body's natural rhythms, AGZ helps your
mind and body ease into rest with easy-to-absorb ingredients such as Saffron, Magnesium and Ashwagandha.

You can choose from three tasty flavors, Mixed Berry, Chocolate and Chocolate mint and every first purchase comes with a FREE AGZ frother.

Click HERE to give AGZ a try

_{*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.}