Advancements in Tau Tracers: Synthesis, Classification, and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

As human life expectancy increases, neurodegenerative disorders like dementia pose significant challenges within the aging population. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and tau aggregates, is a prevalent form of dementia. This paper provides a review of the progress made in developing tracers for tau pathology focusing on their synthesis, classification, and implications for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on use in AD. Tau phosphorylation plays a significant role in intracellular trafficking and microtubule stability; however, in AD, abnormal hyperphosphorylation leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Positron emission tomography (PET) tracers that target tau pathology, such as [18F]-flortaucipir, allow for imaging and quantification within living organisms. These tracers show promise in detection, diagnosis, and understanding disease progression. The classification of tracers includes categories like quinoline derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, pyridoindole derivatives and others. Each category has its strengths and limitations. Known tracers like [18F]-flortaucipir demonstrate potential in diagnosing AD; however, challenges remain when it comes to diagnosing cognitive impairment. Advancements in tau imaging not only provide an understanding of disease processes but also facilitate the testing of new drugs. It is important to address challenges such as motion disturbances that can affect measurements, and improving techniques can help overcome this issue. Incorporating dual time window protocols has proven to be effective in enhancing efficiency and reliability while adhering to standards. By striving for measurements within this evolving field we can ultimately improve drug development and achieve better outcomes for patients with tauopathies. By interpreting these findings, we can see the potential of using tracers to reshape how we diagnose and treat disease. Understanding the taxonomy of tracer derivatives helps us appreciate their characteristics. Nonetheless, challenges persist with issues, such as off-target binding that require further research. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of tracers in stages of diseases, using various imaging techniques to complement one another. Tracers for tau hold potential for managing diseases but require further research to optimize their clinical use. This review contributes to our understanding of how tau tracers can be applied, highlighting their nature and importance in clinical settings. Introduction Tracers that target tau aggregates have shown potential in the management of neurodegenerative diseases, but further research is needed to optimize their use. This review aims to contribute to our understanding of the application of tracers emphasizing their significance and role in settings.