Zeitschrift für klinische und zelluläre Immunologie
Offener Zugang

Abstrakt

Pesticide-induced Immunotoxicity May Underlie Synergistic Gene-environment Interactions that Increase Parkinson's Disease Risk for High-risk Genotype Individuals at rs3129882 in the HLA-DRA Gene

George T. Kannarkat and Malú G. Tansey

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene loci contains immune system-related genes involved in antigen presentation and in recent years, certain genetic variants in HLA genes have been associated with increased risk for late-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, in combination with pyrethroid pesticide exposure. The mechanisms behind this interaction are currently under investigation. Evidence that immune responses may confer and/or modulate risk and progression of PD is mounting. Therefore, a clear understanding of how the immune system plays a role in this and other neurodegenerative disorders will be critical for successful development of disease biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions to delay or ameliorate the course of the disease.