[Research Highlights Vol.52] Polymeric Particles with Anti-Inflammatory Potential for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

One of the pathological mechanisms observed in neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, is the accumulation of so-called microglia — cells that perform functions such as removing dead cells and excess synapses in the brain. When over-activated, microglia can also produce cytokines (small proteins) causing inflammation. Now, Mitsuhiro Ebara at the International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan, and colleagues have synthesized polymeric particles that can suppress microglial inflammation. These particles may be used in novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.