Parkinson's disease is characterized by the aggregation of the protein α-synuclein, primarily in dopaminergic neurons. Inflammatory processes may considerably contribute to disease development and progression. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly investigated. By using human samples, the scientists are investigating the role of a specific subset of immune cells, namely T-cells, in various disease stages. Final aims are: 1) to identify signaling pathways driving disease progression and potentially pharmacological targetable and, 2) to establish biomarkers that could enable an early diagnosis, have predictive potential, and correlate with disease severity.

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