Is schizophrenia an immunologic receptor disorder?

A model is proposed for an autoimmune etiology for schizophrenia. We propose that schizophrenia is a syndrome (not a disease). We suggest that autoantibodies (and/or cell-mediated immunity) directed against autologous neurotransmitter receptors are responsible for the ebb and flow of psychotic symptomatology. The hypothesis is predicated on autoimmune models in other known receptor diseases as well as on the newly emerging recognition that general immune dysfunction exists in certain schizophreniform psychoses.