IBC-Ab002
Parkinson's disease
DiscoveryPreclinicalPhase 1Phase 2Phase 3
Parkinson's
disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra and by the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein, which forms Lewy bodies inside neurons. The resulting dopamine deficit disrupts the brain circuits that control movement, producing slowness, rigidity, tremor and impaired balance; over time, PD can also affect cognition, mood, sleep and autonomic function.
PD is increasingly recognized as a disorder that involves the whole body, not only the brain. α-Synuclein pathology can be detected in the peripheral nervous system - including the gut and autonomic nerves - sometimes years before motor symptoms appear. In parallel, the peripheral immune system takes part in the disease: T cells that recognize α-synuclein and monocyte-derived cells are found in patients' blood and brain, and they shape neuroinflammation and neuronal survival. Harnessing the peripheral immune system to support brain repair is the rationale for evaluating IBC-Ab002 in PD.
Preclinical studies
A single injection of anti-PD-L1, given 3 weeks after the α-synuclein injection, affects motor function assessed 6 weeks after administration in an α-synuclein overexpression mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
IgG (control)Anti-PD-L1
Pole test
Assesses coordination: how long it takes the mouse to climb down a pole and reach the floor.
Bar test
Measures rigidity and catalepsy: the time a mouse takes to remove one or both forepaws from an elevated bar.
A single injection of anti-PD-L1 attenuates motor function deficits.