Adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis and treatments of Parkinson's disease

Neuroimmunity drives the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). This disease affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The immune system is engaged through the progressive accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), a driver of immunity and a pathological hallmark of PD. Consequent α-syn-induced immune activation leads to neuronal damage. This leads not only to the activation of microglia within the central nervous system, but also to the recruitment and activation of peripheral immune cells that infiltrate the brain and contribute to a widespread immune response. Moreover, PD-associated genes and risk factors have been increasingly recognized as essential regulators of immune functions. This review summarizes the current understanding of adaptive immunity in PD and explores emerging immunomodulatory strategies that may inform future therapeutic development.