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.

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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

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article

A novel dual-target approach for Parkinson’s disease therapy by the novel immunomodulator 3-monothiopomalidomide

Matteo Runfola, Luca Casula, Augusta Pisanu, Maria Francesca Palmas et al.
npj Parkinson s Disease
Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
article

A novel dual-target approach for Parkinson’s disease therapy by the novel immunomodulator 3-monothiopomalidomide

Matteo Runfola, Luca Casula, Augusta Pisanu, Maria Francesca Palmas, V. Crippa, Michela Etzi, Valeria Sogos, Clara Porcedda, Maria Cristina Cardia, Alfonso De Simone, Pathik Parekh, Jacopo Marongiu, Francesco Lai, Marcello Serra, Khosro Aminzadeh, Anna R. Carta, David Tweedie, Nigel H. Greig, Dong Seok Kim
article en

Abstract

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.

npj Parkinson s Disease
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)
Università degli Studi di Cagliari
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
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