Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in Parkinson's disease.

The possible role of a non-specific cell-mediated immune reaction in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is discussed. It was found that the killer cell activity of PD patients below 60 years of age was significantly lower than in the older age groups or in the age-matched control group. On the other hand, it was also found that the killer cell activity of PD patients with severe symptoms (Hoehn-Yahr's IV, V stage) was significantly higher than that of the milder cases. These results support the hypothesis that an ADCC reaction--mediated by the killer cells--may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.