Homologous HSV1 and alpha-synuclein peptides stimulate a T cell response in Parkinson's disease

Environmental factors are implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of cell-mediated immunity upon a specific immune-stimulation with HSV-1 and human alpha-synuclein homologues peptides by using the intracellular cytokine method on Parkinson's patients and healthy controls. The study showed, for the first time, a specific response to TNF-α CD8, CD4 and NK cells after stimulation in PD patients. Our data show a possible role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, and that HSV-1 infections may lead to a progression of the disease.

Frequencies of CD8 and CD4 T cells. (A) Percentage of CD8 and CD4 T cells secreting TNF-α after 8h incubation with α-syn100-114. (B) Percentage of CD8 and CD4 T cells secreting TNF-α after 8h incubation with UL4222-36. Correlation between specific immune response after stimulation with homologous peptide. (C) Correlation of PD CD8 T cells secreting TNF-α response after stimulation with α-syn100-114 and UL4222-36. (D) Correlation of PD CD4 T cells secreting TNF-α response after stimulation with α-syn100-114 and UL4222-36.52