Some Immune Mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease

Year 2025, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 133 - 141, 13.12.2025

Ömer Faruk Başer , Selina Aksak Karameşe , Mahmut Karapehlivan , Pınar Bayram Murat Karameşe

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17786894

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases that usually occur at an advanced age are characterized by progressive neuronal damage, deterioration of neuronal structure, the initiation of cellular apoptosis processes and the activation of many immune mechanisms. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Despite studies on the pathophysiology and treatment of PD, knowledge is limited. Some immune mechanisms and intercellular interactions such as abnormal protein accumulation in neurons, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, microglial activation and inflammation, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, and heat-shock proteins are involved in the development of the disease. Although the causes of neurodegeneration in PD are unknown, there are many different conditions that have been proposed in the pathologic evaluation of the disease. These include abnormal protein accumulation in dopaminergic neurons (Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS)), Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, microglial activation and inflammation, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp), environmental and genetic factors. After reviewing the pathogenesis of PD and the pathways/proteins/genes that play an active role in this process in great detail above, we think it is necessary to focus on preventive and therapeutic actions for PD. The prevalence of PD is expected to increase rapidly as the global population ages, affecting approximately 13 million people by 2040. With this increase, the economic and social burden will increase unless the disease is treated or prevented more effectively. Current treatments significantly improve the quality of life of patients, but there is currently no definitive cure. So far, giving patients 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is one of the most effective treatment options. Therefore, in addition to medication, alternative treatment options are being sought to improve the quality of life.

Keywords

oxidative stress , neuroapoptosis , ER stress , immune mechanisms , Parkinson’s disease

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