Imbalance between T helper 1 and regulatory T cells plays a detrimental role in experimental Parkinson's disease in mice

Objective Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder characterized by steady motor function loss. PD pathogenesis remains inconclusive, but aberrant immune responses might play important roles. We hypothesized that imbalance between T helper (Th) 1 and regulatory T (Treg) cells was essential in experimental PD. Methods Th1 and Treg cells from the blood of patients with PD and healthy volunteer blood were measured by flow cytometry. Experimental PD was induced in mice by peritoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Experimental PD severity was measured by open field test behavior assessments (distance moved, rearing, and grooming). Mice were administered neutralizing anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha to inhibit Th1 effects. Treg cells were depleted by anti-CD25 neutralizing antibodies or isolated and transferred to experimental PD mice. Results Patients with PD had fewer Treg and more Th1 cells than healthy volunteers. Experimental PD mice exhibited fewer Treg and more Th1 cells. Treg cell depletion exacerbated experimental PD, whereas TNF alpha neutralization attenuated PD in mice. Treg transfer to experimental PD mice reduced PD severity. Mechanistically, anti-TNF alpha antibody administration and Treg transfer increased Treg and reduced Th1 cell abundance in the brain. Conclusion Th1 and Treg cell imbalance plays an essential role in mouse experimental PD pathogenesis.

Automated summary

The imbalance between T helper (Th) 1 and regulatory T (Treg) cells plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. Depletion of Treg cells exacerbates PD, while TNF alpha neutralization can attenuate the disease. Transfer of Treg cells to PD mice reduces disease severity, indicating their potential therapeutic role.