Therapeutic immunization protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
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.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- June 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.0400569101
- Bibcode:
- 2004PNAS..101.9435B
- Keywords:
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- Neuroscience