Link to immune genes and Parkinson’s found
Tuesday 17th August 2010
Biomedical researchers in the US have noted a link between the immune system and a person's chances of developing Parkinson's diseases for the first time.
Reported in the journal Nature Genetics, a 20-year study of some 20,000 people has revealed a group of genes, which are collectively known as HLA genes, which are associated with the development of the degenerative condition.
The genes are vital in enabling the immune system to identify foreign invaders and the body's own tissues and therefore allowing it to attack infectious organisms.
Dr Cyrus Zabetian, associate professor of neurology at the University of Washington, said: "Over the years, there have been subtle hints that immune function might be linked to Parkinson's disease. But now we have much more convincing evidence of this and a better idea of which parts of the immune system might be involved."
Some 120,000 people in the UK currently suffer from the condition, with one in 20 of those with Parkinson's being under the age of 40.
Written by Martin Lambert 
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