Fig. 3. Model for non-cell-autonomous neurotoxicity of neuron-released α-synuclein. Neuron-released α-synuclein interacts and activates TLR2 on the surface of microglia. Activation of the TLR2 signaling pathway induces proinflammatory responses in microglia, which releases neurotoxic agents, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This model suggests that the interaction between TLR2 and α-synuclein is a potential therapeutic target for PD.
