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Updated: May 19, 2026

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
Reduced T helper and B lymphocytes in Parkinson's disease
Claire H Stevens1, Dominic Rowe, Marie-Christine Morel-Kopp
1School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, and Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
Gene association with HLA suggests involvement of immune mediated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Only a small number of studies have found differences between circulating leukocyte populations in PD patients compared to controls, with conflicting results. To clarify whether there is a circulating leukocyte PD phenotype, we assessed the numbers of T, B and natural killer cells, and monocytes and found a small reduction (15-25%) in CD4+ T and CD19+ B cells in PD. These findings suggest some compromise in immune cells in PD and have potential implications for immune function and the progression of PD.
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