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Cytokines and brain function: relevance to interferon-alpha-induced mood and cognitive changes
J Licinio1, M A Kling, P Hauser
1Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1284, USA.
Abstract:
Cytokines such as interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) are increasingly being exploited as biologic response modifiers to treat cancer. However, treatment with IFN-alpha can adversely affect mood and cognition, causing depression, memory disturbances, and other signs of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. The genes encoding cytokines and their receptors are expressed in the CNS under both resting and stimulated conditions, and cytokines can affect key brain functions. The physiologic effects of IFN-alpha therapy on the CNS are probably a consequence of the activation of a complex cascade of secondary cytokines both in the periphery and within the CNS. We review the neurobiology of cytokines and outline some of the potential mechanisms by which alterations of cytokine expression in the CNS could contribute to cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders during IFN-alpha therapy.
Insights
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) cancer therapy can cause central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, including mood and cognitive issues. This review explores the neurobiology of cytokines and their role in IFN-alpha-induced CNS side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is used as a biologic response modifier for cancer treatment.
- IFN-alpha therapy can lead to adverse central nervous system (CNS) effects, including mood and cognitive disturbances.
- Cytokine and receptor genes are expressed in the CNS, influencing brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurobiology of cytokines in the context of IFN-alpha therapy.
- To outline potential mechanisms of CNS dysfunction induced by IFN-alpha.
- To understand how cytokine alterations in the CNS contribute to mood and cognitive disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neurobiology and cytokine function.
- Analysis of cytokine expression in the CNS.
- Exploration of mechanisms linking cytokine activity to CNS dysfunction.
Main Results:
- IFN-alpha therapy's CNS effects are likely mediated by secondary cytokine cascades.
- Cytokines play a significant role in regulating brain functions.
- Alterations in CNS cytokine expression can precipitate mood and cognitive impairments.
Conclusions:
- IFN-alpha-induced CNS dysfunction is linked to complex cytokine interactions.
- Understanding cytokine neurobiology is crucial for managing IFN-alpha side effects.
- Further research into cytokine pathways may reveal therapeutic targets for CNS complications.