Parkinson’s checkpoint

While the checkpoint inhibitor lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3; CD223) is attracting attention in cancer - with a handful of antibodies already in the clinic - a new study suggests the receptor could be the next target for Parkinson’s disease.

In a Science paper published last month, a team led by The Johns Hopkins University professor Ted Dawson found that LAG3 binds the pathological α-synuclein (SNCA) fibrils and facilitates their transmission between neurons. Blocking LAG activity prevented spread of the fibrils and reduced their neurotoxocity...