The effects of post-translational modifications on alpha-synuclein aggregation and immune cell activation in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) can alter protein aggregation propensity to affect α-syn oligomer and fibril formation. The inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is mediated by microglia, astrocytes, T cells, B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, which respond to α-syn aggregates in an attempt to clear synucleinopathy and restore brain homeostasis. This review focuses on the effects of PTMs on α-syn aggregation and cell-specific immune responses to α-syn aggregates in the context of PD.