Attenuating α-synuclein pathology in mice with in situ engineered astrocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

α-Synuclein oligomers (α-synOs) contribute to the initiation and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) by promoting neuronal death and activating glial cells. Clearing α-synOs while maintaining tissue homeostasis is a promising therapeutic strategy for PD.

Methods

We genetically engineered astrocytes with an anti-α-synO chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of a single-chain variable fragment targeting α-synOs and a truncated MerTK receptor, to direct their phagocytic activity against α-synOs.

Results

CAR-engineered astrocytes (CAR-A) showed significantly enhanced phagocytosis of α-synOs due to effective activation of Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA and markedly decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB and cytokine receptor si

SUBMITTER: Du XY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12632020 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature