T cells: an emerging cast of roles in bipolar disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a distinctly heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder with a high individual and social burden. Immune pathway dysregulation is an important pathophysiological feature of BD. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of BD. Therefore, greater insight into T lymphocytes’ functioning in patients with BD is essential. In this narrative review, we describe the presence of an imbalance in the ratio and altered function of T lymphocyte subsets in BD patients, mainly in T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17 cells and regulatory T cells, and alterations in hormones, intracellular signaling, and microbiomes may be potential causes. Abnormal T cell presence explains the elevated rates of comorbid inflammatory illnesses in the BD population. We also update the findings on T cell-targeting drugs as potentially immunomodulatory therapeutic agents for BD disease in addition to classical mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid). In conclusion, an imbalance in T lymphocyte subpopulation ratios and altered function may be involved in the development of BD, and maintaining T cell immune homeostasis may provide an overall therapeutic benefit.

Spanish HCMV Seroprevalence in the 21st Century

“…Likewise, HCMV IgG antibody titres do not seem to be linked to a higher chance of HCMV reactivation or to being more or less prone to disease in healthy individuals [ 31 ]. However, HCMV chronic infection has been shown to drive the expansion of immune cells that are associated with numerous inflammatory pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, and SMI [ 16 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. In addition, chronic HCMV infection, inflammaging, and advancing age significantly affect the immune system, ultimately contributing to the onset of various diseases [ 11 , 16 , 38 , 39 ].…”

Inflammatory mediators in major depression and bipolar disorder

“…Although discrepant findings have been reported on Th1 [ 116 ] and Th2 [ 92 ] cell populations, with both higher levels of Th1 and Th2 and no difference [ 90 ] compared to controls, a recent meta-analysis suggest that an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is present in BD with a shift towards Th2 [ 117 ].…”