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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

[Immunological treatment options for schizophrenia].

N Müller¹, D Krause¹, E Weidinger¹

¹Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der LMU München.

Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie

|April 9, 2014

Summary

Schizophrenia involves immune dysfunction, leading to kynurenine acid (KYNA) buildup and reduced neurotransmission. Anti-inflammatory treatments targeting cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) show promise, especially in early schizophrenia stages.

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Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: September 9, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Psychiatry

Context:

Schizophrenia pathophysiology involves unclear dopaminergic dysfunction, with inflammation playing a key role.
Type 1 immune response dysfunction decreases indolamine-2.3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity, increasing kynurenine acid (KYNA) and reducing glutamatergic neurotransmission.
Neuroinflammation, involving microglial and astrocyte activation, contributes to TH1-TH2 immune imbalance.

Purpose:

To explore the role of inflammation and immune responses in schizophrenia's dopaminergic dysfunction.
To evaluate the impact of antipsychotics on immune balance and KYNA levels.
To discuss the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory strategies in schizophrenia.

Summary:

Dysfunctional immune responses in schizophrenia lead to increased kynurenine acid (KYNA) production, an NMDA antagonist, impacting neurotransmission.
Antipsychotics, while D2 antagonists, exhibit immune effects that partially correct the type-1/type-2 imbalance and KYNA overproduction.
Inflammation markers like prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) are elevated; COX-2 inhibitors show therapeutic benefits, particularly in early-stage schizophrenia.

Impact:

Findings suggest anti-inflammatory therapies, especially COX-2 inhibitors, offer a promising avenue for schizophrenia treatment.
Understanding the immune-neurotransmitter link provides a basis for developing novel immunomodulatory treatments for schizophrenia.
Early intervention with anti-inflammatory agents may improve outcomes for schizophrenia patients.