The Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Autoimmune Disorders

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that typically occurs with age. It is characterized by the presence of motor deficits and a decline in cognitive function. In most instances, there is a correlation between the accumulation of α-synuclein/SNCA in the cytoplasm and the development of Lewy bodies in dopamine neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The understanding of the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently limited. The disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including the presence of pharmacological molecules that lead to the destruction of dopaminergic neurons. In recent times, a number of significant data have emerged, shedding light on the immune changes that contribute to the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and autoimmune characteristics. These findings suggest that PD could be classified as an autoimmune disease. This short review provides a brief overview of the key elements that contribute to the development of this emerging viewpoint.