LRRK2 as a target for modulating immune system responses

Neurobiol Dis. 2022 Jul:169:105724. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105724. Epub 2022 Apr 12.

Abstract

Mutations in the Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are associated with familial and sporadic cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) but are also found in patients with immune- related disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and leprosy, linking LRRK2 to the immune system. Supporting this genetic evidence, in the last decade LRRK2 was robustly shown to modulate inflammatory responses at both systemic and central nervous system level. In this review, we recapitulate the role of LRRK2 in central and peripheral inflammation in PD and inflammatory disease models. Moreover, we discuss how LRRK2 inhibitors and anti- inflammatory drugs may be beneficial at reducing disease risk/progression in LRRK2-mutation carriers and manifesting PD patients, thus supporting LRRK2 as a promising disease-modifying PD strategy.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Immune system; Inflammation; Kinase inhibitors; LRRK2; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2* / genetics
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2* / immunology
  • Mutation
  • Parkinson Disease* / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease* / immunology

Substances

  • LRRK2 protein, human
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2