HDAC11 displays neuropathological alterations and offers as a novel drug target for Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation, leading to cognitive decline. Targeting histone deacetylase-11 (HDAC11) offers a novel therapeutic strategy due to its role in immune regulation. METHODS: We conducted neuropathological analyses on human AD post mortem brain tissues and 5xFAD transgenic mice. We developed PB94, a brain-permeable HDAC11-selective inhibitor, and assessed its effects using live-animal imaging and behavioral studies. RESULTS: HDAC11 was significantly upregulated in AD brains, correlating with amyloid pathology and neuroinflammatory markers. PB94 treatment reduced amyloid burden and neuroinflammation, improving cognitive function in 5xFAD mice. DISCUSSION: Our findings highlight HDAC11 as a promising drug target for AD. PB94's ability to reduce amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation suggests its potential as an effective therapeutic. This study supports further exploration of HDAC11 inhibition as a treatment strategy for AD. HIGHLIGHTS: Histone deacetylase-11 (HDAC11) is significantly upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and colocalizes with amyloid pathology and neuroinflammatory markers. Novel brain-permeable HDAC11-selective inhibitor PB94 demonstrates promising therapeutic potential for AD treatment. PB94 treatment reduces amyloid burden and neuroinflammation in AD mouse models, confirmed by live imaging studies. HDAC11 inhibition enhances microglial phagocytosis of amyloid beta proteins and modulates inflammatory cytokine levels. PB94 treatment improves cognitive function in AD mouse models while showing favorable brain penetration and selectivity.