Therapeutic immunization protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Benner, Eric J; Mosley, R Lee; Destache, Chris J; Lewis, Travis B; Jackson-Lewis, Vernice; Gorantla, Santhi; Nemachek, Craig; Green, Steven R et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2004

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, the hallmark of Parkinson's disease, can be recapitulated in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mice. Herein, we demonstrate that adoptive transfer of copolymer-1 immune cells to MPTP recipient mice leads to T cell accumulation within the substantia nigra pars compacta, suppression of microglial activation, and increased local expression of astrocyte-associated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. This immunization strategy resulted in significant protection of nigrostriatal neurons against MPTP-induced neurodegeneration that was abrogated by depletion of donor T cells. Such vaccine treatment strategies may provide benefit for Parkinson's disease.

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