Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified three peptide fragments from human alpha synuclein protein that can be used to generate a preparation to reduce Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, either through vaccine development or the generation of monoclonal antibodies.
PD is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive accumulation of abnormal intracellular aggregates of alpha synuclein (a-Syn) protein known as Lewy bodies. Classical clinical signs include bradykinesia, resting tremors and rigidity. Symptomatic relief is provided by dopamine replacement, however, the underlying disease process continues unabated. The advances in research with immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease have opened new opportunities for treatment of PD. Vaccines developed against a-Syn proteins and the administration of antibodies against a-Syn have been studied by several research groups in recent times. Treatment options, however, are still limited due to problems with the immune tolerance associated with aging and the control of abnormal responses to vaccination.
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