Scientists have found evidence that suggests neuron cell death in Parkinson's may be caused by an overactive immune system. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Michel Desjardins from the University of Montreal and Dr. Heidi McBride from the Montreal Neurological Insitute and Hospital at McGill University, has successfully demonstrated that proteins produced by two genes are required to prevent cells from being detected and attacked by the immune system. When these genes are dysfunctional, lymphocyte T cells can enter the brain and potentially destroy cells with mitochondrial antigens on their surface. 

An overactive immune system could explain the loss of dopamine in the brain experienced by Parkinson's patients. This finding could recategorize Parkinson's as an autoimmune disease, since the body's immune system is attacking healthy cells. Other autoimmune diseases include multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 

Read the full story here.