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Dr. Jennifer Goldman and her team discovered the important key presence of specialized immune cells called alpha-synuclein reactive T-cells could be found in patients prior to exhibiting symptoms relating to motor skills that are indicative to a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. This important discovery could lead to earlier detection and interventions.
An elevated presence of specialized immune cells called alpha-synuclein reactive T-cells were found in patients prior to developing motor symptoms and receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that increased reactivity of these cells may be present long before clinical diagnosis, according to a recent study in Nature Communications.
Early detection of Parkinson’s disease, in its prodromal or early clinically symptomatic stages, provides an opportunity to intervene at its earliest stages and potentially affect disease progression or disease symptomatology.
Dr. Jennifer Goldman, MD, MS
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The findings may be used to improve early detection of Parkinson’s disease by indicating increased reactivity of the cells prior to the appearance of motor symptoms and clinical diagnosis, as well as help understand the role of the immune system and inflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease.