Neuroimmune Advance in Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression is one of the most highly prevalent, chronic, and recurrent disorders, which is associated with a high burden of disease and substantial impairment in social functions. Both immune molecules and cells have been implicated in the pathophysiology and maintenance of MDD. Findings in animals and MDD patients have suggested that both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are activated in the neuroinflammation which contribute to behavioral symptoms and changes in the course of depression. There is a growing body of evidence to support that neuroinflammation is a mediator for the communication among stress response, neuroendocrine, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and gut microbiota. These communications have been known as risk factors in the pathogenesis of MDD. In the meantime, accumulating evidence has suggested that some interventions targeting the inflammatory processes may play an important role in the treatment of MDD.