The roles of T cells in clinical depression

Abstract

Considering the bidirectional link between the immune and central nervous systems (CNS) involved in inflammation-associated major depressive disorder (MDD) revels T lymphocytes to play an integral role. Recent evidence shows T lymphocytes being involved not only in maladaptive neuroimmune responses but also in maintaining homeostasis and neural plasticity. Furthermore, the pleiotropic nature of the molecular and cellular communication gradients of the neuroendocrine and immune systems combined with dynamic T-lymphocyte phenotypes lends itself to a balancing act between adaptive and maladaptive roles. Imbalances between particular regulatory and pro-inflammatory activities determine CNS-speci..