Immunopsychiatry
Programme overview
Mental illnesses affect one in four people in the lifetime. However, current treatments for depression and schizophrenia are ineffective for up to one in three people. There is a need for new and more targeted effective interventions.
This programme conducts epidemiological discovery research to inform the development of future immunotherapy trials for depression and other psychiatric disorders. In particular, we aim to:
- Identify optimal treatment targets by examining causality of immune markers, safety of immune modulation, and specificity vs commonality of effect across disorders
- Inform patient stratification by identifying inflammation-related subgroups of depression.
This programme introduces a focus on mental health within the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU). Our research is closely aligned with the UK Government’s Life Sciences Vision to develop novel causal mechanisms and interventions for mental disorders.
Links
We are examining:
The causal role of inflammation in depression
We are defining the mechanism of cytokine-induced depression and inform future immunotherapy trials by identifying new treatment targets and safety of immune modulation.
Specificity versus commonality of effect of inflammation
Our research is providing greater insight into specific and shared effects of inflammation across psychiatric/neurodevelopmental disorders.
The role of inflammation in heterogeneity of depression
Our work is informing patient stratification in future immunotherapy trials by identifying and validating inflammation-related subgroups of depression.
Research highlights
Involving the public, patients and charities
Working with people with mental illness and charities, we have helped develop a booklet to raise public awareness of immunopsychiatry research (with McPin Foundation). We have also worked with Changing Minds on a research strategy document for a new charity Young Peoples Mental Health. We will continue to engage with mental health charities, patient groups & other researchers to develop knowledge and awareness. We have also worked with other charities and local government to help shape our future research.
- Read case study: Charity collaboration explores the causes of depression in young people
- Read case study: Stakeholder engagement improves understanding of what impacts mental wellbeing
Evidence of causality using population data
We have conducted some of the first population-based longitudinal studies (e.g., Khandaker et al. JAMA Psychiatry 2014) and genetic Mendelian randomization studies (e.g., Milaneschi et al. Molecular Psychiatry 2021; Perry et al. Brain Behav Immunity 2021) providing evidence indicative of a causal role for the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) in depression and schizophrenia.
Translation using proof-of-concept trials
In collaboration with the NIHR and NHS, we are conducting randomised control trials (RCTs) of tocilizumab (anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits IL-6 classical and trans-signalling by binding with the IL-6 receptor) in patients with depression (Insight study) and first episode psychosis (PIMS Trial) to further examine the causal role and therapeutic potential of IL-6 in depression and schizophrenia.
