Cells Healing Parkinson's

Elena Batrakova and other researchers at the University of North Carolina have found a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, GDNF therapy. This technique utilizes intelligent brain cells that “deliver a healing protein” and “[teach] neurons to begin making the protein for themselves.” (Etchison, 2015) As of now, there are only therapies designed to address the quality of life held by those living with Parkinson’s, but no treatments to reverse its course. However, Batrakova says that “studies have shown that delivering neurotrophic factor to the brain not only promotes the survival of neurons but also reverses the progression of Parkinson’s disease.” (Etchison, 2015) For the GDNF therapy to be successful the treatment must be delivered correctly to the brain’s receptors. By using immune cells, the natural defenses of the body are avoided and allow “repurposed macrophages” to “penetrate the blood-brain barrier, something most medicines cannot do.” (Etchison, 2015) Exosomes, tiny bubbles in the brain, are made that contain GDNF and are later released to deliver the proton’s to the brain’s neurons. “By teaching immune system cells to make this protective protein, we harness the natural systems of the body to combat degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease,” Batrakova said. (Etchison, 2015)

Etchison, D. (2015, September 10). UNC Smart Cells Teach Neurons Damaged by Parkinson's to Heal Themselves - UNC News. Retrieved October 19, 2015.