CXCR4 as a novel target in immunology: moving away from typical antagonists.

CXCR4 has been a target of interest in drug discovery for numerous years. However, so far, most if not all studies focused on finding antagonists of CXCR4 function. Recent studies demonstrate that targeting a minor allosteric pocket of CXCR4 induces an immunomodulating effect in immune cells expressing CXCR4, connected to the TLR pathway.

Alpha-synuclein seeds in olfactory mucosa of patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder.

Isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is an early-stage α-synucleinopathy in most, if not all, affected subjects. Detection of pathological α-synuclein in peripheral tissues of patients with isolated RBD may identify those progressing to Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies or multiple system atrophy, with the ultimate goal of testing preventive therapies. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) provided evidence of α-synuclein seeding activity in CSF and olfactory mucosa of patients with α-synucleinopathies.