Longevity & AgingScientists Block Brain Protein That Drives Parkinson's Disease Spread
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a brain immune protein called GPNMB that helps Parkinson's disease spread from neuron to neuron. When brain cells are damaged, immune cells called microglia release GPNMB, which then fuels further spread of toxic alpha-synuclein clumps. In lab experiments, monoclonal antibodies designed to block GPNMB successfully stopped this spreading process. Published in Neuron, the findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy targeting the earliest stages of Parkinson's progression. Currently, no approved treatment slows the underlying disease — only symptoms are managed. This discovery could eventually change that, though human trials are still years away.
