On Friday 24 April 2026 at 13:00, Ida Hyllen Klæstrup defends her PhD dissertation entitled "Modulation of the α-synuclein-Associated Neuroimmune Response by Innate Immune Signaling and the Vagus Nerve". 

Research from this PhD project demonstrates that both the innate immune system and the vagus nerve influence early disease progression in Parkinson's Disease, without necessarily driving neuronal cell death.

Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, with age being the biggest risk factor. Despite more than half a century of investigation into Parkinson’s Disease, current treatment strategies remain symptomatic. It is a progressive disorder characterized by neuronal accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein. The disease affects not only the brain but also the peripheral nervous system. The accumulation and aggregation of alpha-synuclein are accompanied by a cascade of cellular dysfunctions, including mitochondrial impairment and a maladaptive immune response, with pathological alpha-synuclein acting as a pro-inflammagen.

This PhD project consists of three experimental studies presented as 1 published article and 2 manuscripts. The first study focuses on the molecular pathway cGAS-STING and its potential role in shaping the immune response in Parkinson's Disease. The following two studies focus on the immunomodulatory role of the vagus nerve via the inflammatory reflex.

Overall, the thesis demonstrates that both immunological and autonomic mechanisms can modulate early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in Det Blå Auditorium, 1266-222, Aarhus University. Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Ida Hyllen Klæstrup
Mail: Idahk@clin.au.dk 
Phone: +45 31698281

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