The causal relationship between immune cell traits and schizophrenia: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Jianbin Du1, Ancha Baranova2,3, Guofu Zhang1
1Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|October 14, 2024
Summary
Schizophrenia significantly impacts immune cell traits, with the disease itself increasing immune cell counts. Certain immune cell variations may elevate schizophrenia risk, suggesting a complex bidirectional relationship requiring further investigation for therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Psychiatric Genetics
Background:
- Schizophrenia pathogenesis remains complex and challenging for diagnosis and treatment.
- A clear association exists between immune function and schizophrenia, but causality is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and immune cell traits using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach.
- To identify specific immune cell traits that may influence schizophrenia risk or be affected by the disorder.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
- Employed public Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data for schizophrenia and 731 immune cell traits.
- Validated findings using white blood cell measures.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia showed a significant causal effect on increasing immune cell traits, more so than the reverse.
- Identified four immune cell traits (e.g., CD11c+ monocyte %, CD86 on monocyte) associated with increased schizophrenia risk.
- Schizophrenia was found to increase lymphocyte, total white blood cell, and monocyte counts.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between schizophrenia and the immune system is complex and bidirectional.
- Findings enhance understanding of immune regulation in schizophrenia development.
- Results offer potential avenues for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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