title: Inflammation and immunity in schizophrenia: implications for pathophysiology and treatment.
abstract: Complex interactions between the immune system and the brain might have important aetiological and therapeutic implications for neuropsychiatric brain disorders. A possible 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. Contrary to the traditional view that the brain is an immunologically privileged site shielded behind the blood-brain barrier, studies in the past 20 years have noted complex interactions between the immune system, systemic inflammation, and the brain, which can lead to changes in mood, cognition, and behaviour. In this Review, we describe some of the important areas of research regarding innate and adaptive immune response in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders that, we think, will be of interest to psychiatric clinicians and researchers. We discuss potential mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings, including studies of anti-inflammatory drugs in schizophrenia, describe areas for development, and offer testable hypotheses for future investigations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Golam M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Khandaker
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cousins
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deakin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Belinda R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Lennox
authors.affiliation: Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yolken
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*