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Interferons: potential roles in affect
1Columbia University, New York, USA. eh498@columbia.edu
Insights
Interferons, crucial for immune response, may significantly influence mood disorders. Research suggests their role in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Psychiatry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) and their receptors are found in the brain's limbic system, influencing mood.
- IFNs interact with cytokines and nitric oxide, molecules linked to depression.
- Viral theories of affective disorders highlight the relevance of IFNs' antiviral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on interferons and their potential roles in neuropsychiatric disorders.
- To assess the physiological effects of interferons in the central nervous system (CNS) related to affect.
- To explore the link between interferon signaling and conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on interferons and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Analysis of studies investigating interferon presence and function in the limbic system.
- Examination of genetic and molecular data related to interferon pathways in CNS disorders.
Main Results:
- Interferons exert physiological effects in the limbic system, particularly during CNS infections.
- Interferon-gamma plays a role in modulating fear and anxiety in mice.
- Interferon-alpha receptor signaling impacts RNA editing and splicing, processes potentially disrupted in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Conclusions:
- Interferons are implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, including affective disturbances.
- Interferon signaling pathways, particularly involving interferon-alpha and gamma, are critical for neural development and CNS-immune communication.
- Further research into interferons may offer novel therapeutic targets for mood and psychotic disorders.
Abstract:
A review of the literature on interferons was conducted and possible roles in neuropsychiatric disorders with affective disturbances are assessed. Interferons and interferon receptors are present in the limbic system where they appear to exert physiological effects pertinent to affect, most potently when levels rise during CNS infections. Interferons interact closely with cytokines and nitric oxide, signaling molecules implicated in depression. Results from knock-out mice suggest a role for interferon-gamma in moderating fear and anxiety, while other lines of evidence point to a role in arousal and circadian rhythms. The interferon-alpha receptor deploys an arginine methyltransferase affecting RNA editing and splicing, which seem to be disrupted in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), an effective antidepressant, may owe its effects in the latter disorders in part to variations in the strength of interferon-alpha signaling impacting RNA processing. Antiviral effects of interferons are of interest in lieu of viral theories of affective disorders. Finally, the relative levels of interferons gamma and alpha might play important roles in neural, and glial, development, as well as the dialog between the CNS and the immune system.