Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder is associated with inflammation and immune processes. Depressive symptoms correlate with inflammatory markers and alterations in the immune system including cytokine levels and immune cell function. Th17 cells are a T cell subset which exerts proinflammatory effects. Th17 cell accumulation and Th17/Treg imbalances have been reported to be critical in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and depressive-like behaviors in animal models. Th17 cells are thought to interfere with glutamate signaling, dopamine production, and other immune processes. Ketamine is a newly characterized antidepressant medication which has proved to be effective in rapidly reducing depressive symptoms. However, the mechanisms behind these antidepressant effects have not been fully elucidated. Method: Literature about Th17 cells and their role in depression and the antidepressant effect of ketamine are reviewed, with the possible interaction networks discussed. Result: The immune-modulating role of Th17 cells may participate in the antidepressant effect of ketamine. Conclusion: As Th17 cells play multiple roles in depression, it is important to explore the mechanisms of action of ketamine on Th17 cells and Th17/Treg cell balance. This provides new perspectives for strengthening the antidepressant effect of ketamine while reducing its side effects and adverse reactions.
Highlights
Th17 cells are a group of proinflammatory T helper cells which play important roles in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (Yang et al, 2014)
The number of Th17 cells and the expression of IL-17A and RORγt are upregulated in peripheral blood from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (Chen et al, 2011; Davami et al, 2016)
Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation and the adaptive immune system play important roles in the progression of MDD
Summary
Major depressive disorder is associated with inflammation and immune processes. Depressive symptoms correlate with inflammatory markers and alterations in the immune system including cytokine levels and immune cell function. Th17 cells are a T cell subset which exerts proinflammatory effects. Th17 cell accumulation and Th17/Treg imbalances have been reported to be critical in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and depressive-like behaviors in animal models. Th17 cells are thought to interfere with glutamate signaling, dopamine production, and other immune processes. Ketamine is a newly characterized antidepressant medication which has proved to be effective in rapidly reducing depressive symptoms. The mechanisms behind these antidepressant effects have not been fully elucidated. Method: Literature about Th17 cells and their role in depression and the antidepressant effect of ketamine are reviewed, with the possible interaction networks discussed
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