β-Amyloid Is a Kinocidin Cytokine.

Although β-amyloid (Aβ) has long been studied as a key contributor to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its physiological role (if any) remains undetermined. This Viewpoint highlights the evolving concept that if AD is an immunopathic disorder then Aβ may be an immunopeptide. The identification of Aβ as an immunopeptide is further refined to it being a kinocidin, a subtype of cytokine with antimicrobial activity.