| abstract |
A method of interfering with the interaction and/or function of α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and Alzheimer's β-protein and, as a result, reducing the adverse side effects associated with formation of a complex comprising the two or with activity of the complex components. In one embodiment, the subject invention relates to methods of interfering with formation of a specific complex between ACT and β-protein. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of inhibiting the function of the components of the ACT-β-protein complex. In particular, it relates to methods of inhibiting the function of β-protein, particularly enzymatic activity, such as esterase (cholinesterase) or protease activity. Both methods are useful in treating or preventing the effects of complex formation or of the enzymatic activity of the β-protein and, thus, provide a potential method of treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome or normal aging. Compositions and compounds useful in the method are also the subject of this invention. |