Targeting toxic forms of α-synuclein with immunotherapy could alter the progression of Parkinson’s disease

α-Synuclein is a presynaptic protein typically involved in synaptic regulation. However, it may form toxic aggregates and propagate in the CNS via cell-to-cell transmission, which have been identified as a key part in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Multiple strategies are being investigated to mitigate this; these include passive and active immunization against α-synuclein, among other immunotherapies and/or other α-synuclein-targeting compounds. Ultimately, these techniques aim to lessen neurotoxicity by increasing α-synuclein clearance and reducing the accumulation of toxic α-synuclein aggregates, potentially slowing the progression of PD through disease-modifying effects.