Alpha-Synuclein Targeting Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease and Related Synucleinopathies

alpha-Synuclein (asyn) is a key pathogenetic factor in a group of neurodegenerative diseases generically known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Although the initial triggers of pathology and progression are unclear, multiple lines of evidence support therapeutic targeting of asyn in order to limit its prion-like misfolding. Here, we review recent pre-clinical and clinical work that offers promising treatment strategies to sequester, degrade, or silence asyn expression as a means to reduce the levels of seed or substrate. These diverse approaches include removal of aggregated asyn with passive or active immunization or by expression of vectorized antibodies, modulating kinetics of misfolding with small molecule anti-aggregants, lowering asyn gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or inhibitory RNA, and pharmacological activation of asyn degradation pathways. We also discuss recent technological advances in combining low intensity focused ultrasound with intravenous microbubbles to transiently increase blood-brain barrier permeability for improved brain delivery and target engagement of these large molecule anti-asyn biologics.

Automated summary

Therapeutic targeting of alpha-Synuclein shows promising treatment strategies to limit its pathogenic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. Different approaches include removing aggregated asyn, modulating misfolding kinetics, lowering gene expression, and promoting degradation pathways. Technological advances, such as combining ultrasound with microbubbles, aim to enhance brain delivery of anti-asyn biologics.