IMMUPARKNET
Meet our working groups
The main aim and objective of the IMMUPARKNET Action are to establish an European platform for the study of immunity in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and for the translation to the clinics of novel disease-modifying antiparkinson immunotherapeutic. The Network will achieve this objectives through the mobilisation of five Working Groups (WGs)
WG1
Development of consensus statements on the immune profile of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients
The objectives of WG1 are: a) to collect and critically evaluate available preclinical and clinical evidence on immunity in PD and its relationship with neuroinflammation/ neurodegeneration, including predictive in vitro/in vivo models and meaningful biomarkers of disease development and progression; b) to identify druggable targets in the immune system for developing potential diseasemodifying therapeutics for PD; c) to discuss and disseminate the WG findings within the scientific community through appropriate means, including publications and ad hoc meetings.
WG2
Development of technical / analytical protocols to assess immune profile in Parkinson’s disease (PD)
WG2 aims at: a) assessing the current state of the art of models, methodologies and techniques used for the investigation of immunity in PD patients and in animal model of the disease; b) defining and validating a series of “golden standards” to promote uniform approaches; c) publishing technical guidelines and protocols readily available on open access platforms in PD.
WG3
Development of guidelines for clinical studies of immunity in Parkinson’s disease (PD)
WG3 aims at: a) defining the optimal design of clinical study protocols to investigate the contribution of immunity to the development and progression of PD as well as to the therapeutic response to antiparkinsonian drugs; b) defining the optimal design of clinical study protocols to assess the therapeutic efficacy of drugs targeting the immune system in PD.
WG4
Development of novel drugs for Parkinson’s disease (PD) targeting the immune system
WG4 aims at identifying “druggable” targets within the immune system with the potential to modify PD development and progression; identifying among therapeutics currently used for conventional immune-mediated disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis, other autoimmune disease), suitable candidates for drug repurposing as antiparkinsonian agents.
WG5
Outreach, Dissemination and Training
The objectives of WG5 are: a) to guarantee the widest dissemination of IMMUPARKNET new knowledge to the scientific community; b) to communicate the Action findings to the larger public; c) to ensure expertise development especially towards younger researchers and clinical practitioners.
