An emerging role for LRRK2 in the immune system

Missense mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) contribute significantly to autosomal dominant Parkinsons 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 theirpotential implications for PD will be discussed