Are common childhood or adolescent infections risk factors for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Postnatal infection is a potential risk factor for adolescent and adult psychotic disorders.
• The mechanism may involve the brain's innate immune system, specifically microglial cells.
• Microglial activation can be a primary response or occur in vulnerable brain regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of microglial activation in the development of psychotic disorders following postnatal infection.
• To explore how systemic inflammation can trigger neuroinflammation without direct central nervous system involvement.
• To examine the potential of existing antipsychotic compounds as neuroprotective agents through this pathway.

Main Methods:

• The study focuses on the pathophysiological pathway linking postnatal infection to psychotic disorders.
• It examines the role of microglial activation and cytokine signaling.
• The research considers the impact on synaptic turnover, architecture, and function.

Main Results:

• Postnatal infection can trigger localized microglial activation in the brain.
• Activated microglia can interfere with synaptic processes, altering brain structure and function over time.
• This process is distinct from long-established neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Microglial activation following postnatal infection represents a potential pathway to psychosis.
• This pathway may be influenced by systemic inflammation and prior brain injury.
• Further investigation could reveal neuroprotective mechanisms for antipsychotic drugs.