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The immune system and schizophrenia. An integrative view
1Psychiatric Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany. nmueller@psy.med.uni-muenchen.de
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 28, 2001
Summary
Schizophrenia involves immune system dysfunction, with innate immunity overactivated and specific immunity blunted. Antipsychotic therapy can modulate these immune responses, impacting T-cell and B-cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Immune system alterations have long been associated with schizophrenia.
- Recent advancements offer a more integrated understanding of these immunological abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an integrative view of immune system dysfunction in schizophrenia.
- To explore the roles of both innate and specific immune systems in the disorder.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of immune parameters in unmedicated schizophrenic patients.
- Assessment of immune responses during antipsychotic therapy.
- Evaluation of both in vitro and in vivo immunological markers.
Main Results:
- Overactivation of the innate immune system (increased monocytes, gamma delta-cells) observed in unmedicated patients.
- Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels suggest monocyte/macrophase activation.
- Blunted T helper-1 (TH-1) related immunity and a shift towards T helper-2 (TH-2) dominance in schizophrenia.
- Antipsychotic treatment activates TH-1 immunity, B cells, and antibody production.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia is characterized by a complex immune dysregulation involving both innate and specific immune components.
- A TH-1/TH-2 imbalance is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
- Antipsychotic medications can influence and potentially normalize specific immune system functions.