Objective: To investigate B lymphocyte phenotype and function in human PD and in an animal model of disease.

Background: The clinical course in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is highly heterogeneous with approximately half of patients progressing to dementia at 10 years, leading to increased risk of nursing home admission and dependence. We hypothesised that immune factors may play a role in determining disease course and progression, and focused on the potential contribution of B lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies but can also regulate immune responses.

Methods: We recruited a cohort of 41 early stage PD patients, risk stratified into three groups based on cognitive measures and MAPT genotype (i) a group at high risk of rapid progression to dementia (ii) an intermediate group and (iii) a ‘benign’ group at low dementia risk. Controls were matched for age, gender and MAPT genotype. Peripheral blood B lymphocytes were phenotyped using flow cytometry. We also used the 6-OHDA lesioned mouse model of PD and examined disease course by longitudinally, testing motor capacity, in mice lacking B lymphocytes (MT) mice and in wild type controls (C57bl/6). Dopaminergic cell counts and staining were compared.

Results: B lymphocytes were decreased in PD patients at high risk of progressing to early dementia compared to matched controls. Mice lacking peripheral B lymphocytes developed a worse motor phenotype, had a slower recovery, and showed more extensive loss of midbrain dopaminergic cells in the brain than wild type controls.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that B cells play a protective role in PD, potentially via regulation of immune responses to aberrant forms of alpha synuclein or cell death.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/b-lymphocytes-may-be-protective-in-early-parkinsons-disease-and-in-an-animal-model-of-dopaminergic-cell-death/