The Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease: A Complex Interplay Between Astrocytes, Microglia, and T Lymphocytes?
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterised by the motor symptoms of bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremor and non-motor symptoms of sleep disturbances, constipation, and depression. Pathological hallmarks include neuroinflammation, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein proteins as intra-cytoplasmic Lewy bodies and neurites. Microglia and astrocytes are essential to maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS), including providing protection through the process of gliosis. However, dysregulation of glial cells results in disruption of homeostasis leading to a chronic pro-inflammatory, deleterious environment, implicated in numerous CNS diseases. Recent evidence has demonstrated a role for peripheral immune cells, in particular T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of PD. These cells infiltrate the CNS, and accumulate in the substantia nigra, where they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulate surrounding immune cells, and induce dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Indeed, a greater understanding of the integrated network of communication that exists between glial cells and periph...Continue Reading
References
Neuroprotective activities of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in an animal model of Parkinson's disease
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Astrocytes & Neurodegeneration
Astrocytes are important for the health and function of the central nervous system. When these cells stop functioning properly, either through gain of function or loss of homeostatic controls, neurodegenerative diseases can occur. Here is the latest research on astrocytes and neurodegeneration.
Astrocytes
Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.
Astrocytes in Parkinson Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Some PD-genes may be associated with astrocyte dysfunction. Discover the latest research on astrocytes in Parkinson's disease here.