Age related immune modulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in PINK1 knockout mice

Dendritic cells in Parkinson's disease: Regulatory role and therapeutic potential

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. While the traditional focus has been on neuronal and glial cell dysfunction, recent research has shifted towards understanding the role of the immune system, particularly dendritic cells (DCs), in PD pathogenesis. As pivotal antigen-presenting cells, DCs are traditionally recognized for initiating and regulating immune responses. In PD, DCs contribute to disease progression through the presentation of α-synuclein to T cells, leading to an adaptive immune response against neuronal elements. This review explores the emerging role of DCs in PD, highlighting their potential involvement in antigen presentation and T cell immune response modulation. Understanding the multifaceted functions of DCs could reveal novel insights into PD pathogenesis and open new avenues for therapeutic strategies, potentially altering the course of this devastating disease.

The Role of Immune Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease Development

Recent research has unveiled intriguing insights suggesting that the body's immune system may be implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) development. Studies have observed disparities in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers between PD patients and healthy individuals. This finding underscores the potential influence of immune system dysfunction in the genesis of this condition. A dysfunctional immune system can serve as a primary catalyst for systemic inflammation in the body, which may contribute to the emergence of various brain disorders. The identification of several genes associated with PD, as well as their connection to neuroinflammation, raises the likelihood of disease susceptibility. Moreover, advancing age and mitochondrial dysfunction can weaken the immune system, potentially implicating them in the onset of the disease, particularly among older individuals. Compromised integrity of the blood-brain barrier could facilitate the immune system's access to brain tissue. This exposure may lead to encounters with native antigens or infections, potentially triggering an autoimmune response. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence supporting the notion that gut dysbiosis might represent an initial trigger for brain inflammation, ultimately promoting neurodegeneration. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the numerous hypotheses surrounding the role of both innate and adaptive immunity in PD.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Antigens Elicit a Strong IgG4 Response in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Exacerbate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Neuroinflammation can be triggered by microbial products disrupting immune regulation. In this study, we investigated the levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclasses against the heat shock protein (HSP)70_533-545 peptide and lipopentapeptide (MAP_Lp5) derived from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the blood samples of Japanese and Italian individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, we examined the impact of this peptide on MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). A total of 130 Japanese and 130 Italian subjects were retrospectively analyzed using the indirect ELISA method. Furthermore, a group of C57BL/6J mice received immunization with the MAP_HSP70_533-545 peptide two weeks prior to the active induction of MOG_35-55 EAE. The results revealed a significantly robust antibody response against MAP_HSP70_533-545 in serum of both Japanese and Italian MS patients compared to their respective control groups. Moreover, heightened levels of serum IgG4 antibodies specific to MAP antigens were correlated with the severity of the disease. Additionally, EAE mice that were immunized with MAP_HSP70_533-545 peptide exhibited more severe disease symptoms and increased reactivity of MOG_35-55-specific T-cell compared to untreated mice. These findings provide evidence suggesting a potential link between MAP and the development or exacerbation of MS, particularly in a subgroup of MS patients with elevated serum IgG4 levels.