APOE genotype and sex affect astrocyte interactions with amyloid plaques in EFAD transgenic mice.

These findings suggest that astrocytes complement microglial plaque coverage in a manner that appears to protect the neuronal milieu from plaque-associated damage. These protective astrocytic interactions are dependent on APOE genotype and sex, with outcomes being best in males with APOE3 and poorest in females with APOE4. Collectively, these findings provide new insight into the role of glia as contributors to the relationships among sex, APOE, and AD.