Objective: To evaluate the suitable modifications of immunological parameters in a through characterized population of Italian PD patientsTo evaluate the suitable modifications of immunological parameters in a through characterized population of Italian PD patients
Background: Pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complex and multifactorial. Recently, the role of immune system has been identified as crucial. Indeed, PD patients display a pro-inflammatory peripheral immune phenotype but less is known about the trend of immunological parameters during disease decourse.
Method: From 2014, drug naïve PD patients underwent a peripheral blood withdrawal annually, evaluating lymphocytes sub-populations and transcription factors (TF). Patients were excluded in presence of immune disease or immunomodulant/depressant treatment Clinical and demographic parameters were monitored.
Results: 49 PD patients (33 male, mean age 68±8.4) with at least one follow-up visit were included. Th1 lymphocytes (as % of CD4+ cells) were higher after 2 and 4 years (V0: 15.91±6.61; V2:17.93±9.4; V4:20.88±11.6; p=0.03 and p=0.0006) while Th2 (as total count) were persistently reduced (V0:0.06*103±0.02; V3: 0.04*103±0.01; p=0.003). Th17 lymphocytes were reduced as percentage (V0: 8.13±4; V1:7.43±3.75; V4:7.84±0.84; p=0.04 and p=0.02) and total count (V0:0.07*103±0.02; V1: 0.05*103±0.03; V4: 0.05*103±0.0; p=0.01 and p=0.01). Dealing with TF, STAT1 presented constantly increased levels (V0: 1.61*10-4±0.0001; V1 2.39*10-4±0.0001; V2: 2.38*10-4±5*10-5; V3: 2.86*10-4±0.0001; respectively p=0.01; p=0.006; p<0.0001) while STAT6 levels were reduced (V0:6.96*10-6±9.6*10-6; V1: 9.01*10-7±8.72*10-8; V2: 1.51*10-6±2.8*10-6; p<0.0001 and p=0.0001). Total number of Treg was reduced in V3 and V4 (0.06*103±0.02; V1: 0.05*103±0.01; V4: 0.05*103±0.01, p=0.008 and p=0.0004) and both activated and resting subsets. Accordingly, FOXP3 levels were significantly reduced at V4 compared to baseline (V0: 7.55*10-5±6.4*10-5; V4: 4.55*10-5±5.01*10-5)
Conclusion: This is the first longitudinal study evaluating peripheral immune system in PD. Our data, though preliminary, indicate that the pro-inflammatory phenotype represents and early phenomenon in the disease decourse. Accordingly, immunotherapy in PD, which is under investigation, should be started soon in the disease history in order to act as disease modifier.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
L. Magistrelli, A. Furgiuele, E. Contaldi, M. Legnaro, E. Rasini, C. Comi, F. Marino, M. Cosentino. A longitudinal evaluation of the peripheral immune phenotype in a cohort of Parkinson’s disease patients [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2022; 37 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-longitudinal-evaluation-of-the-peripheral-immune-phenotype-in-a-cohort-of-parkinsons-disease-patients/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to 2022 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-longitudinal-evaluation-of-the-peripheral-immune-phenotype-in-a-cohort-of-parkinsons-disease-patients/