Brain microglia in psychiatric disorders
Valeria Mondelli1, Anthony C Vernon2, Federico Turkheimer3
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
The role of immune activation in psychiatric disorders has attracted considerable attention over the past two decades, contributing to the rise of a new era for psychiatry. Microglia, the macrophages of the brain, are progressively becoming the main focus of the research in this field. In this Review, we assess the literature on microglia activation across different psychiatric disorders, including post-mortem and in-vivo studies in humans and experimental studies in animals. Although microglia activation has been noted in all types of psychiatric disorder, no association was seen with specific diagnostic categories. Furthermore, the findings from these studies highlight that not all psychiatric patients have microglial activation. Therefore, the cause of the neuroinflammation in these cohorts and its implications are unclear. We discuss psychosocial stress as one of the main factors determining microglial activation in patients with psychiatric disorders, and explore the relevance of these findings for future treatment strategies.
Insights
Immune activation, particularly involving microglia (brain macrophages), is studied in psychiatric disorders. Findings suggest neuroinflammation isn't universal in patients and may link to psychosocial stress, impacting future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune activation's role in psychiatric disorders is a growing research area.
- Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, are central to this investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on microglia activation in various psychiatric disorders.
- To explore the link between psychosocial stress and neuroinflammation in psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature assessment of human post-mortem and in-vivo studies.
- Analysis of experimental animal studies on microglia activation.
Main Results:
- Microglia activation is observed across psychiatric disorders, but not consistently in all patients.
- No clear association found between microglia activation and specific diagnostic categories.
- Psychosocial stress identified as a significant factor influencing microglial activation.
Conclusions:
- The precise cause and implications of neuroinflammation in psychiatric disorders remain unclear.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets related to psychosocial stress and microglial function.
