Posted by 
Autoimmunity is when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Parkinson’s disease is neurodegenerative movement disorder.
Malfunctioning immune system contributes to Parkinson’s disease.
Two fragments of alpha-synuclein, a protein that accumulates in the brain cells of Parkinson’s disease patients can activate the T cells involved in autoimmune attacks.
Dopamine neurons that are affected by Parkinson’s disease are vulnerable because they have proteins on the cell surface that help the immune system recognize foreign substances.
Researchers examined blood samples from 67 Parkinson’s disease patients and 36 healthy controls to fragments of alpha-synuclein and other proteins found in neurons.
The immune response was associated with a common form of a gene found in the immune system, which may explain why many people with Parkinson’s disease carry this gene variant.
Immunotherapy can be used to increase the immune system’s tolerance for alpha-synuclein, which could help to prevent worst condition of Parkinson’s disease.
haleplushearty.blogspot.com