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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia
Published on: June 15, 2011
B-cells and schizophrenia: A promising link or a finding lost in translation?
Hans C van Mierlo1, Jasper C A Broen2, René S Kahn3
1Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Recent genetic studies have suggested a potential role for B-cells in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Greater insight in the functioning of B-cells in patients with schizophrenia is therefore of importance. In this narrative review we aim to give an overview of the current literature on B-cells and schizophrenia. We found no evidence for altered numbers of these cells in blood. We did find support for increased levels of B-cell related cytokines and certain autoantibodies. Studies on B-cell development and function, or their numbers in cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue are very limited. Based on the available data we appraise whether various B-cell mediated pathological mechanisms are likely to play a role in schizophrenia and provide directions for future research.
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