An emerging role for LRRK2 in the immune system

Abstract

Missense mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) contribute significantly to autosomal dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD). Genome-wide association studies have further suggested that mutations in LRRK2 comprise a risk factor for sporadic PD. How LRRK2 contributes to PD however, is largely unknown. Recent work has shown that LRRK2 is highly expressed in tissue and circulating immune cells and is suggestive of a potential role for LRRK2 in innate immunity. These studies and their potential implications for PD will be discussed.