Investigating the link between mental health and immune system
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Humanised mice as tool to investigate the link between mental health and immune system
IRAS ID
125992
Contact name
Fulvio D'Acquisto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Qeen Mary University of London
Research summary
An imbalanced immune system has long been known to influence a variety of mood conditions including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders and depression. Indeed, patients treated with drugs that suppress the immune system or suffering from deficiency in the immune response are more likely to show changes in mood and behaviour. Although several clinical studies support these findings, the exact mechanism by which the immune system influences mood and emotional state is still not clear. Our recent studies have shown T-lymphocytes, one type of immune cells present in our blood, play a significant role in regulating the emotional response in experimental animals. We have also identified a particular subtype of T lymphocytes that could directly modify the way the brain works. The aim of this project is to expand these observations using clinical samples of people suffering from a variety of mood/emotional and immune disorders. By studying the immune response of the blood cells of these patients in our validated experimental systems, we will be able to dissect and better understand to what extent emotional changes can be attributed to changes in the immune system. The results of this study might help the design and identification of novel therapies for immune disorders.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1632
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion