We are interested in developing the novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders (HIV dementia). For this purpose, we have established transdermal and other alternative vaccines for AD in mouse models of the disease. In addition, we have discovered natural compounds promoting amyloid precursor protein (APP) alpha-secretase cleavage or inhibiting gamma-secretase activity both in various cell systems as well as in animal models. Moreover, we have analyzed the role of microglial activation in modulation of AD-like pathology in experimental animal models following administration of human umbilical cord blood cells. Most recently, we have brought our expertise in immunity and inflammation in the adult brain to bear on disorders of brain development affecting children. We were first to characterize an immune molecule on the surface of nerve cells, or neurons, called CD40. Recent results from ongoing studies suggest this molecule could play an important role in the creation of neurons and their differentiation in the developing fetus. These and other findings may lead to a better understanding of the abnormal physiology underlying childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Tourette's syndrome, and hopefully result in new treatments.