The immune response in the aetiology of Schizophrenia: a review

Objective: To examine the evidence for immune reactions contributing to the aetiology, and clinical presentation of schizophrenia. Method: A search engine and the words “immune schizophrenia”, “genetics schizophrenia”, “immune genetic interaction” and “autoimmune encephalitis”. The extracted material was categorized under headings. Results: Information could be gathered under 8 headings: 1) autoimmune diseases, 2) autoimmune encephalitis, 3) autoimmune antibodies without encephalitis, 4) infection/inflammation in utero, 5) infection/inflammation in patients, 6) possible role for microglia, 7) combined genetic and immune factors, and 8) potential treatment. There is persuasive evidence that immune reactions are involved in some cases of schizophrenia, and that psychiatrists need to be keep abreast of developments in this field. Conclusion: Autoimmune antibodies occur in 6.5-8% of people with schizophrenia. An immune-genetic process features in 30-40% of people with schizophrenia.