Immune Response Modifications in the Genetic Forms of Parkinson's Disease: What Do We Know?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the midbrain substantia nigra . PD pathophysiology is complex, multifactorial, and not fully understood yet. Nonetheless, recent data show that immune system hyperactivation with concomitant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, both in the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery, is a signature of idiopathic PD. About 5% of PD patients present an early onset with a determined genetic cause, with either autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance. The involvement of immunity in the genetic forms of PD has been a matter of interest in several recent studies. In this review, we will summarize the main findings of this new and promising field of research.