White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

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Scientists in the US have found additional evidence for the link between immune cells and Parkinson’s – alongside signs of autoimmunity present in individuals years before their Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The study – conducted by researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, US – revealed a higher count of T cells (a type of white blood cell) in participants at the time of diagnosis but showed that few still had these cells 10 years later.

Dr Alessandro Sette, who co-led the study, said: “This tells us that detection of T cell responses could help in the diagnosis of people at risk or in early stages of [Parkinson’s] disease development.

“Importantly, we could dream of a scenario where early interference with T cell responses could prevent the disease from manifesting itself or progressing.”

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For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Sheer willpower: 5 inspiring people defying Parkinson’s disease

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White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Perspectives

Sheer willpower: 5 inspiring people defying Parkinson’s disease

Advances

When will new Parkinson’s psychosis drug be approved outside of the US?

Global update

Cure3: making art for Parkinson’s research

New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

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