(Ab)    An antibody is a specialized protein of the immune system that identifies and neutralizes foreign substances in the body such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even toxins.  This large Y-shaped protein is produced by B cells. It contains a variable region that adapts to each foreign substance to help the body to direct the appropriate downstr [..]

    An antigen is any foreign component that triggers an immune response.  Antigens are recognized by antibodies that in turn direct the immune response.  The term “antigen” historically comes from antibody generator. Antigens themselves can be proteins or polysaccharides. They are often components of the invading microorganism such as their cell w [..]

  Antigen presenting cells (APCs) are immunocompetent cells (including macrophages, dendritic cells, and B- lymphocytes, among others) that display acquired foreign components known as antigens on their surface. APCs are in turn recognized by T and B lymphocytes which initiate the elimination and/or neutralization of the infectious agent. Different [..]

(aSyn)      Alpha-Synuclein is a small abundant protein mainly found in synapses where neurons communicate with each other. In pathological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Alpha-synuclein forms aggregates of insoluble fibrils called Lewy bodies. Alpha-synuclein is important for norma [..]

  A decrease or loss of control of voluntary muscle movements often resulting in muscle rigidity.

    Autoimmunity is an abnormal immune response of the body against substances and tissues that are normally present in the body. There are more than 50 recognized autoimmune diseases. The development of autoimmunity is also a major risk during immunotherapy using self-antigens, especially in the case of vaccines.

B cells are a type of white blood cell and an important part of the adaptive immune system.  Immature B cells, in mammals, develop in bone marrow.  The primary functions of B cells are to make antibodies against antigens, and to develop memory B cells following their activation though interacting with an antigen. Memory B cells have a long lifespan [..]

     A general slowness of movement caused by reduced levels of dopamine to the brain.  It is one of the earliest signs of a movement disorder and affects up to 90% of patients suffering from Parkinson´s disease.

Lewy bodies are abnormal aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein that develop in nerve cells in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies. This disease is characterized by widespread presence of Lewy bodies composed of the protein alpha-synuclein. Pathological alterations involve cortical areas leading to dementia. These protein clum [..]

An epitope is the name for the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system and to which an antibody binds. Epitopes can be composed of sugars, lipids or amino acids.