A novel dual-target approach for Parkinson’s disease therapy by the novel immunomodulator 3-monothiopomalidomide
α-Synuclein (αSyn) aggregation is a central driver for Parkinson’s disease (PD), leading to the formation of toxic oligomeric species that promote microglial reactivity and establish a self-sustaining cycle of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. This process accelerates dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra and contributes to motor and cognitive deficits. Targeting both αSyn aggregation and inflammation represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study evaluated 3-monothiopomalidomide (3MP), a novel immunomodulatory imide drug with improved safety over Pomalidomide. In vitro, 3MP reduced αSyn–induced neuronal death, microglial activation, and inflammation. Thioflavin T assay and Thioflavin S staining in SH-SY5Y cells showed significant inhibition of αSyn aggregation. In vivo, chronic administration in a αSyn-based PD rat model preserved dopaminergic neurons, improved motor and cognitive function, reduced αSyn aggregates and neuroinflammation in the midbrain and anterior cingulate cortex. Overall, 3MP shows strong dual-action potential by modulating both αSyn aggregation and neuroinflammation, supporting its development as a disease-modifying therapy for PD.
Authors
- Matteo Runfola (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8087-0692)
- Luca Casula (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9508-7222)
- Augusta Pisanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2633-8627)
- Maria Francesca Palmas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7449-9498)
- V. Crippa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3058-5711)
- Michela Etzi
- Valeria Sogos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4021-1043)
- Clara Porcedda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0938-4242)
- Maria Cristina Cardia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2788-7823)
- Alfonso De Simone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8789-9546)
- Pathik Parekh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4385-751X)
- Jacopo Marongiu
- Francesco Lai
- Marcello Serra
- Khosro Aminzadeh
- Anna R. Carta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3104-9010)
- David Tweedie
- Nigel H. Greig
- Dong Seok Kim
Institutions
- University of Cagliari (IT)
- University of Milan (IT)
- Quality Biological (US)
- Korea Information System (South Korea) (KR)
- National Institute on Aging (US)
- National Research Council (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Parkinson s Disease
- Published
- 2026-09-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-026-01549-8
- Primary Topic
- Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari