We hypothesize that Parkinson’s disease is initiated years before the emergence of motor dysfunction in response to mechanisms triggered following gut infection with Gram-negative bacteria. This leads to an autoimmune reaction producing specialized immune cells that can reach the brain and attack dopamine-producing neurons. We will study how mutations in proteins associated with Parkinson’s disease (PINK1, Parkin, LRRK2, VPS35 and GBA) affect the function of immune cells in isolated cell culture (in vitro), as well as in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease. In the model, we will characterize how the immune system is stimulated during gut infection to produce cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and how these cells reach the brain and attack dopamine-producing neurons. Similar studies will also be done with immune cells from the blood of Parkinson’s disease patients and neurons derived from stem cells.
Here is an overview of how this team’s article findings have contributed to the PD field as of June 2025. There are two different categorizations of these contributions – one by impact to the PD community and a second by scientific category.
Impact
Category
Members of the team have been recognized for their contributions.
Network Spotlights
Updates will be posted when available.
Members of the CRN work diligently to advance our understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about recent CRN discoveries and achievements.
