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Related Concept Videos

T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Whole Blood Assay with Dual Co-Stimulation for Antigen-Specific Analysis of Host Immunity to Fungal and Viral Pathogens
06:03

Whole Blood Assay with Dual Co-Stimulation for Antigen-Specific Analysis of Host Immunity to Fungal and Viral Pathogens

Published on: September 20, 2024

Depression and immunity: a role for T cells?

Andrew H Miller1

  • 1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. amill02@emory.edu

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|October 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Impaired T cell function may contribute to depression by reducing neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research into T cell pathology could reveal new depression treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Psychiatry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The role of the immune system in major depression is increasingly recognized.
  • While innate immunity is widely studied, acquired immune responses, particularly T cell responses, warrant further investigation in depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles of T cells in the context of stress and inflammation.
  • To investigate how impaired T cell function might contribute to the pathophysiology of depression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on T cell function, neuroprotection, and depression.
  • Analysis of data suggesting T cell involvement in stress responses and neurogenesis.
  • Consideration of T regulatory cell functions in modulating inflammation.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Whole Blood Assay with Dual Co-Stimulation for Antigen-Specific Analysis of Host Immunity to Fungal and Viral Pathogens
06:03

Whole Blood Assay with Dual Co-Stimulation for Antigen-Specific Analysis of Host Immunity to Fungal and Viral Pathogens

Published on: September 20, 2024

Main Results:

  • Activated T cells may offer neuroprotection, reversing stress-induced effects on neurogenesis and behavior in rodents.
  • T cell trafficking to the brain can reduce stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors.
  • Impaired T cell function, including apoptosis sensitivity and reduced glucocorticoid responsiveness, may hinder their neuroprotective roles in depression.

Conclusions:

  • T cells possess neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions relevant to stress and inflammation.
  • Impaired T cell function may be a contributing factor to depression development.
  • Targeting T cell function presents a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.