We hypothesize that in a subset of cases, PD is initiated by an autoimmune event involving recognition of alpha-synuclein in the gut, and that interactions between the immune system and the peripheral and central nervous systems establish the disease in the brain. We propose integrating cutting-edge technologies in neuroimmunology, single cell genomics, gut microbiome, and computational biology to determine at unprecedented depth whether PD has the signature of autoimmune processes and explore how immune reactions initiate a process, from the gut, that spreads through the peripheral nervous system, and finally to the brain where neurodegeneration results in PD. First, we will characterize T cell-mediated autoimmunity in PD; second, we will evaluate the role of the microbiome in the initiation of PD and progression along the gut-to-brain axis; and third, we will define perturbations in the neuro-immune interactome in the PD brain.
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.
Open Science Champion
Varnica Khetrapal
Network Spotlights
Anthony Russo
Members of the CRN work diligently to advance our understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about recent CRN discoveries and achievements.
