The interrelationship between intestinal immune cells and enteric α-synuclein in the progression of Parkinson’s disease
Journal
Neurological Sciences
Journal Volume
2025
ISSN
1590-1874
1590-3478
Date Issued
2025-03-14
Author(s)
Yuan-Kai Cheng
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor impairment, resulting from the accumulation of α-synuclein and neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Emerging evidence suggests that α-synuclein aggregation may originate in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and subsequently propagate to the brain via the vagus nerve. Clinical observations, such as prodromal gastrointestinal dysfunction in PD patients and the increased incidence of PD among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, support the hypothesis that abnormal intestinal inflammation may contribute to the onset of motor dysfunction and neuropathology in PD. This review examines recent findings on the interplay between intestinal immune cells and α-synuclein aggregation within the framework of gut-originated PD pathogenesis. It begins by discussing evidence linking dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation to α-synuclein aggregation in the ENS. Additionally, it explores the potential role of intestinal immune cells in influencing enteric neurons and α-synuclein aggregation, furthering the understanding of PD development.
Subjects
Alpha-synuclein
Dysbiosis
Enteric nervous system
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Intestinal immune cells
Intestinal inflammation
Parkinson’s disease
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type
journal article