Immunomodulation induced by central nervous system-related peptides as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders

Pharmacol Res Perspect, 2021 · DOI: 10.1002/prp2.795 · Published: May 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are disorders characterized by the progressive loss of neurons affecting motor, sensory, and/or cognitive functions. An interaction between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) is widely associated with neuronal damage in NDD. In this review, we refer to the role of PA and the potential applications of active immunization as a therapeutic option for NDD treatment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Deregulation of immune homeostasis may represent one of the key initial steps in NDD.
2
Immunizing with a weaker version of the neural self-antigen would generate PA without degenerative autoimmunity.
3
CNS-related peptides with immunomodulatory neuroprotective effect led to important research to evaluate their use in chronic and acute NDD.

Research Summary

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are disorders characterized by the progressive loss of neurons affecting motor, sensory, and/or cognitive functions. Dr. Michal Schwartz originally conceived the concept of “protective autoimmunity” (PA) as a well-controlled peripheral inflammatory reaction after injury, essential for neuroprotection and regeneration. In this review, we focus on the experimental and clinical promissory findings for CNS-related peptides with beneficial immunomodulatory effects.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential

CNS-related peptides can be further explored as therapeutic options for neurodegenerative disorders due to their immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects.

Drug development

The review highlights the need for development of safe and effective immunogens for vaccination to minimize autoimmune reactions.

Personalized medicine

Identifying immunological biomarkers is necessary to provide precision medicine to patients.

Study Limitations

1
Current therapeutic strategies only temporarily improve the patients’ quality of life but are insufficient for completely alleviating the symptoms.
2
Although effective immunotherapeutic options for acute CNS injury and chronic neuroinflammation remain limited, interest in this field is rapidly increasing.
3
Despite significant research efforts, most of the human clinical trials have failed to demonstrate clinical efficacy in ALS.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Immunology