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Altered immunity in migraine: a comprehensive scoping review
1Department of Neurology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Migraine pathogenesis may involve immune system changes, with studies showing altered pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune cells, and increased autoimmune disease comorbidity in migraine patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Migraine pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Immunological mechanisms are hypothesized to play a significant role in migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on immune system alterations in individuals with migraine, both during and between attacks.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database.
- Additional relevant articles on altered immunity in migraine were included.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and changes in anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TGF-β, IL-10) were observed.
- Alterations in humoral immunity included increased chemokines, adhesion molecules, complement system activation, and immunoglobulins (IgM, IgA).
- Cellular immunity changes involved increased T helper cells, decreased cytotoxic and regulatory T cells, and increased natural killer cells, alongside a high comorbidity with autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Conclusions:
- The review highlights altered humoral and cellular immune findings in human migraine.
- Immunological mechanisms are likely involved in migraine pathogenesis.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise role of immunity in migraine.
