My laboratory group is studying the role of naturally-occuring human antibodies in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We have identified a novel set of human antibodies that recognize the misfolded conformation of several amyloid-forming proteins involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's, prion diseases and several other conditions. We are currently carrying out studies to determine whether these antibodies provide an inate biological defense against neurodegeneration.