Abstract
IntroductionIntricate interactions between the immune system and the brain might have important etiological and therapeutic implications for neuropsychiatric brain disorders. A probable association between schizophrenia and the immune system was postulated over a century ago, and is supported by epidemiological and genetic studies pointing to links with infection and inflammation.ObjectiveTo describe some important areas of research regarding immune response in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders and discuss potential mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings.AimsAssociations between immune response, inflammation and schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are reviewed.MethodsA literature review of the theme is surveyed. Several articles were search on MEDLINE with the keywords: schizophrenia, psychosis, inflammation, immunity, infection.ResultsSchizophrenia is a multifactorial disease. It is associated with multiple genetic loci that confer risk, in addition to developmental and postnatal risk factors. Antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis and acute psychotic relapse seems to be associated with increased serum concentrations of interleukin 6 and other proinflammatory cytokines, which are normalized after remission of symptoms with antipsychotic treatment.ConclusionsInflammation and immune dysfunction might contribute to cognitive, negative, and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Identification of specific inflammatory pathways for neuropsychiatric symptoms would provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
