English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Since the discovery of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (aSyn) as a central player in Parkinson’s disease (PD), several key questions on the function of the protein in neurodegeneration processes remain unclear, including: is there a synergy between dopamine metabolism and the formation of toxic aSyn species in neurons? What is the role of aSyn in the immunological system? Herein, the authors revisit the intricate pathways related to dopamine metabolism and how it impacts on aSyn aggregation/function. Additionally, they discuss the importance of aSyn in the immune response to viral infections as well as the current findings on the possible protective role of certain virus vaccines against PD and other neuropathologies. The physiological function of aSyn seems to cover different pathways, such as immune response against infections and a neuroprotective role, besides the already-established regulation of synaptic vesicle trafficking. Clinical studies with monoclonal antibodies against aSyn aggregates have shown disappointing results in patients with early-stage PD. Alternatively, we could consider, as immunological target, specific neurotoxic oligomers of aSyn formed in the presence of dopamine metabolites, such as DOPAL. Nevertheless, the crucial question remains as to whether removing these protein deposits will affect the clinical course of the disease.

expert review of neurotherapeutics

Alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease: a villain or tragic hero? A critical view of the formation of α-synuclein aggregates induced by dopamine metabolites and viral infection