Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. This number is likely to increase as the population ages, and unfortunately there is no cure to date. Initial symptoms like tremor and movement problems gradually get worse, resulting in stiffness, slowness, balance problems and in later stages also dementia.
An international team of scientists led by VUB/VIB Prof. Wim Versées and funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), describes how llama-derived antibodies—also known as Nanobodies®—block the effects of gene mutations that causes Parkinson's disease. The approach holds great promise for the development of new therapeutics with minimal side effects.