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Monocytic HLA DR antigens in schizophrenic patients
Daniela Krause1, Jenny Wagner, Judith Matz
1Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany. Daniela.Krause@med.uni-muenchen.de
Neuroscience Research
|October 4, 2011
Summary
Schizophrenia patients show higher levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR positive monocytes. Their immune cells also poorly adjust to infectious stimuli, suggesting an immune imbalance in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR genes are associated with schizophrenia.
- HLA molecules are crucial for immune response regulation.
- Infectious agents are implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HLA DR positive monocyte rates in schizophrenia patients versus controls.
- To examine monocyte adaptation to in vitro stimulation with toll-like receptor ligands.
Main Methods:
- Compared HLA DR positive monocyte rates in schizophrenia patients and matched controls.
- Assessed monocyte HLA DR levels at baseline and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or Poly I:C.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited a significantly higher percentage of elevated HLA DR positive cells.
- Patients showed a significantly lower adjustment rate of monocytic HLA DR to Poly I:C stimulation.
- Elevated and poorly adjusting monocytic HLA DR suggests immune dysregulation.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia may involve increased monocytic HLA DR.
- Maladjusted monocytic HLA DR response to infection indicates immune imbalance in schizophrenia.
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