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Decreased T cellular immune response in schizophrenic patients
Michael Riedel1, Ilja Spellmann, Markus J Schwarz
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|January 26, 2006
Summary
Schizophrenia patients exhibit a weakened cellular immune response, specifically a diminished skin reactivity to various antigens. This finding supports the hypothesis of an altered immune system in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alterations in the immune system are implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
- In vitro studies suggest a deficiency in T helper-1 (Th1) mediated cellular immune response in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo T helper-1 mediated cellular immune response in schizophrenia patients.
- To assess if the type-IV delayed skin hypersensitivity reaction is attenuated in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study involving 30 schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Standardized intracutaneous application of seven antigens (Multitest Immignost).
- Quantification of skin reactions after 48 hours.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients showed significantly smaller mean skin reactions compared to healthy controls.
- A higher number of schizophrenia patients exhibited diminished skin reactions to specific antigens.
- Demonstrated a markedly attenuated in vivo type-1 mediated cellular immune response in schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm a deficient in vivo cellular immune response in schizophrenia.
- Supports the hypothesis of a relative T helper-2 (Th2) shift in schizophrenia's immune profile.
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