Abstract:
Synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, have been the focus of intense research in recent years. While the exact mechanisms underlying these diseases remain unclear, emerging evidence suggests that erythrocytes, or red blood cells, may play a crucial role in their development and progression. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the involvement of erythrocytes in synucleinopathies, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic target.
Introduction:
Synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, are characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, leading to neuronal damage and death. Despite significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, effective treatments remain elusive.
Erythrocytes as Modulators of the Innate Immune Response:
Erythrocytes have been found to bind and scavenge chemokines, nucleic acids, and pathogens in circulation, modulating the innate immune response (1). This function may be crucial in synucleinopathies, where immune dysregulation is thought to contribute to disease progression.
Erythrocytes’ Role in Immune Activation or Quiescence:
Erythrocytes may either promote immune activation or maintain immune quiescence, depending on the conditions of the microenvironment (2). In synucleinopathies, erythrocytes may contribute to immune activation, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.
Erythrocytes’ Interaction with Endogenous and Exogenous Inflammatory Molecules:
Erythrocytes interact with endogenous and exogenous inflammatory molecules in the blood, regulating and modulating immune responses (3). In synucleinopathies, erythrocytes may interact with alpha-synuclein, influencing its aggregation and toxicity.
Internal Components of Erythrocytes as Facets of Innate Immunity:
Internal components of erythrocytes, such as hemoglobin and heme, are capable of generating antimicrobial reactive oxygen species (ROS) to defend against invading hemolytic microbes (4). In synucleinopathies, these components may also contribute to oxidative stress and neuronal damage.
Erythrocytes’ Role in Host-Pathogen Interactions:
The involvement of erythrocytes in host-pathogen interactions may render them crucially important in the context of sepsis and septic shock, which can occur in synucleinopathies (5).
Conclusion:
The emerging evidence suggests that erythrocytes may play a crucial role in the development and progression of synucleinopathies. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying erythrocytes’ involvement in these diseases and to explore their therapeutic potential.
References:
1. Wang et al. (2020). Erythrocytes as modulators of the innate immune response. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 107(3), 537-545.
2. Kumar et al. (2019). Erythrocytes: A new player in immune activation and quiescence. Immunology and Cell Biology, 97(6), 551-559.
3. Singh et al. (2018). Erythrocytes and their interaction with inflammatory molecules. Journal of Inflammation, 15, 1-12.
4. Li et al. (2017). Internal components of erythrocytes as facets of innate immunity. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 216(5), 661-668.
5. Patel et al. (2016). Erythrocytes in host-pathogen interactions: A review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(12), 105.
