Elucidating the role of the peripheral-brain immune axis in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is commonly described as a brain disorder, but recent research suggests that early events outside the brain (periphery) may influence Parkinson’s disease neuropathology. The blood-brain barrier is a structure that protects the vulnerable brain tissue from blood-borne toxins and circulating immune cells, but barrier function appears compromised in PD. A consequence, there may be increased entry of toxic peripheral elements and immune cells intro the brain, and these peripheral factors could reach brain cells and possibly accelerate disease progression. Astrocytes, crucial for BBB maintenance, become impaired in Parkinson’s disease, further weakening this barrier. A new 3D brain-chip model built using induced pluripotent stem cells enables detailed study of these interactions. This model allows researchers to observe how astrocytes and peripheral immune cells contribute to blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and the subsequent entry of potentially toxic elements into the brain. The proposed research will help define the role of the brain-periphery immune axis, which could uncover new targets to slow Parkinson’s disease progression, offering hope for disease-modifying therapies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aurelie de Rus Jacquet

Student:

Partner:

Sorbonne Université

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Université Laval

Program: