Autoantibodies and depression: evidence for a causal link?
Depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of diseases. Despite advances in research, challenges still exist in managing this disorder. Sufferers of autoimmune diseases are often observed to suffer from depression more often than healthy individuals, an association that cannot be completely accounted for by the impact of the disease on the individual. An association between autoimmunity and depressive symptoms also appears to exist in populations with subclinical symptoms. Moreover, researchers have successfully developed murine models illustrating the ability of autoantibodies to induce depressive-like symptoms. This paper will provide an overview of the association between autoantibodies and occurrence of depressive symptoms. Though current evidence appears to support a role for autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of depression, the majority of studies have examined this relationship cross-sectionally, therefore failing to establish a temporal association. Nonetheless, this novel theory meshes with older and newer neurochemical theories of depression. A better understanding of the immuno-pathogenesis underlying depression presents opportunities for more targeted treatment approaches and more timely and appropriate measures of detection.
Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine & Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: c3054392@uon.edu.au.
Rosebella Alungata
RA
Iseme
Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine & Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Level 3, Hunter Medical Research Institute Building, Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia. Electronic address: Mark.McEvoy@newcastle.edu.au.
Mark
M
McEvoy
Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; 5010, Level 5, McAuley Building, Mater Hospital, Edith Street, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia. Electronic address: Brian.Kelly@newcastle.edu.au.
Brian
B
Kelly
School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; McClymont Building (W34) 353, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. Electronic address: lagnew@une.edu.au.
Linda
L
Agnew
Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine & Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of General Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; 3014, Hunter Medical Research Institute Building, Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia. Electronic address: John.Attia@newcastle.edu.au.
John
J
Attia
Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; University of Newcastle, Medical Sciences MS413, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Electronic address: Rohan.Walker@newcastle.edu.au.
Frederick Rohan
FR
Walker
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation
D001323:Autoantibodies
Anti 5-HT autoantibodies; Anti N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor autoantibodies; Anti endothelial cell autoantibodies; Anti ganglioside autoantibodies; Anti-P ribosomal autoantibodies; Anti-ds DNA autoantibodies; Anti-gliadin autoantibodies; Anti-nuclear autoantibodies; Anti-phospholipid autoantibodies; Anti-thyroid autoantibodies; Autoantibodies; Autoimmunity; Depression; Rheumatoid factor; Tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies