Grant: Project Grant

This research project investigates how the immune system is involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) and aims to uncover autoimmune mechanisms in PD. Mitochondria are crucial for energy production and immune regulation, and their malfunction in PD might trigger an autoimmune responses. The study's main objectives are: We will characterize PD T-cells. To do this, we will analyze blood samples from Parkinson's patients to identify markers related to autoimmunity. We will also study immune cells that target mitochondrial antigens and test their effects on neurons in the lab. We will also study how immune tolerance works in PD. To do this, we will investigate how antigen presenting immune cells interact with T-cells in PD patients. This includes studying specific immune cell types and their responses to various stimuli, and assessing changes in mitochondrial function. The findings from this study are expected to enhance our understanding of how immune dysfunction contributes to Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to new treatment options and improved diagnostic tools.