Immunoinflammatory Aspects of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

This review analyzes immunological impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We present data on neuroinflammation, with which cell degeneration in the substantia nigra of the brain is associated and in which innate and adaptive immune system cells are involved. Brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and peripheral blood cytokine levels are analyzed. The interaction between neuroinflammation and neuron dysfunction is considered. Data on immunological impairments in people with PD and animals with models of this disease are presented. The characteristics of models of PD are discussed. Data on impairments to the blood–brain barrier are presented, along with evidence for the occurrence of autoimmune inflammation in this disease. We discuss the question of preclinical markers of PD, including immunological, i.e., cytokines, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ antigens, autoantibodies, etc. The creation of algorithms for the presymptomatic diagnosis of PD and its prophylaxis and treatment at the presymptomatic stage will lead to the cessation or slowing of neuron death.