Synucleinopathy
is neurodegenerative disease caused by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates in the nervous system. There are three major types of synucleinopathy:
Parkinson’s disease
Motor system dysfunction induced by neuron death in the substantia nigra
Lewy body dementia
The most common form of progressive dementia due to Lewy body formation in the brain
Multiple system atrophy
A combination of symptoms in both autonomic and motor systems
Parkinson’s disease (PD)
PD is the most common synucleinopathy. According to the statistics from Parkinson’s foundation, PD alone affects a large number of people in the U.S. and worldwide as below.
1
million patients in the U.S.
60,000
diagnosis each year
in the U.S.
10 +
million people worldwide
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What is the cause of synucleinopathy in aged brains?
Residential microglia and infiltrated immune cells maintain healthy CNS in young brains. They remove occasional alpha-synuclein aggregates and produce neuroprotective substances.
Those immune cells lose their ability of alpha-synuclein clearance and neuroprotection in the aged brains. Neurons undergo degeneration due to the burden of toxic synucleinopathy and chronic inflammation.
Neuroimmunity
Neuroimmunity, also known as neuroimmune interactions, refers to the complex relationship between the nervous system and the immune system. It involves the communication and interactions between immune cells and neural cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Traditionally, it was believed that the immune system operates independently of the nervous system. However, research over the past few decades has revealed extensive bidirectional communication between these two systems.
Neuroimmunity involves various mechanisms by which immune cells and molecules interact with neurons and influence their function. For example, immune cells, particularly microglia, which are the resident immune cells of the CNS, can release pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules that can modulate neuronal activity.
Conversely, neurons can also produce factors that influence immune cell behavior. For instance, neurons can release neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and other molecules that can attract immune cells or modulate their activity in response to injury or infection.
The interactions between the nervous and immune systems are critical for various physiological processes within the CNS. Dysregulation of neuroimmunity has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, and mood disorders.
Understanding neuroimmunity is essential for unraveling the mechanisms underlying these disorders and developing potential therapeutic strategies targeting the crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems. Ongoing research in this field aims to uncover the intricacies of neuroimmune interactions and their implications for both health and disease.
NiT-1 pipeline
NiT-1 specializes in the development of pharmacological agents that have the remarkable ability to transform immune cells residing in the central nervous system. These transformed cells play a crucial role in clearing out the harmful alpha-synuclein aggregates, effectively halting the progression of neurodegeneration. Through our groundbreaking approach, we aim to revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by harnessing the potential of these transformed immune cells. By targeting the underlying cause of the diseases, we strive to provide hope and improved quality of life for patients affected by these devastating conditions.
NiT-2 pipeline
Introducing NiT-2, a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes the field by engineering specific immune cells derived from the bloodstream. This groundbreaking approach aims to significantly boost the immune system’s efficacy within the nervous system. By harnessing the power of these engineered immune cells, NiT-2 holds tremendous potential in preventing the onset of neurological disorders, including synucleinopathy. This innovative solution represents a pivotal advancement in the quest to enhance the body’s natural defenses and safeguard against debilitating conditions that affect the nervous system.
