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Immune system

What is the immune system in PTSD?

The immune system is the body’s first line of defence. It uses proteins called cytokines that are secreted by immune cells to allow cell-to-cell communication. Cytokines include interleukins (IL), interferons (IFN), tumor necrosis factors (TNF), transforming growth factors (TGF), and chemokines. These have influence over many cell types, including T helper lymphocytes (Th cells, or white blood cells). Cytokines act to regulate immunological and inflammatory responses to pathogens. They function as intermediaries between the immune system and the central nervous system. C-reactive protein (CRP) is released by the body during inflammation. Increased CRP blood levels are not only suggestive of infection, but also chronic inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Alterations to the immune system have been found in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and it has also been investigated in people with PTSD.

What is the evidence for changes in the immune system in people with PTSD?

Moderate to high quality evidence found large increases in IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, and medium-sized increases in TNF-α, WBC, and CRP in people with PTSD compared to controls. There were no differences in IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, CD3+ T lymphocyte, CD4+ T lymphocyte, CD8+ T lymphocyte, or NK cell. The effect sizes became non-significant in medicated patients for IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6. The effect for CD8+ T lymphocyte became significant when using only trauma-exposed controls (reduced levels in patients). When using only non-trauma-exposed controls, the effect for IL-1β became non-significant, while the effect for IL-10 became significant (increased levels in patients). In patients without comorbid major depression, the effect sizes for IL-8 and CD4+ T lymphocyte became significant (increased levels in patients).

August 2021

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Last updated at: 4:30 pm, 9th December 2021
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