Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Background Major depressive disorder remains a clinical challenge, with a significant number of patients failing to achieve remission with antidepressants. New evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and immune dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of depression. This evidence has increased interest in immunotherapy as a potential therapeutic approach. Objective In this review, the authors sought to investigate if there is a relationship between depression and inflammation and evaluate if the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and immunotherapy may help treat depression. Methods The authors reviewed studies on Pubmed and Cochrane from 2000 to 2024 involving adults with major unipolar depression without psychotic features, based on DSM-IV/V or ICD-10/11 criteria. They also included studies on patients with secondary symptoms from immunological therapies. Results Several immunomodulatory agents demonstrated potential antidepressant effects. Celecoxib was associated with improved treatment outcomes when combined with standard antidepressants. Infliximab showed efficacy primarily in patients with elevated inflammatory markers. Pentoxifylline showed anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects, leading to a clinical improvement. There were mixed results concerning minocycline. Interferon alfa was associated with the worsening of depressive symptoms. Conclusion Immunotherapy is promising for depression treatment, particularly in patients with elevated inflammation. However, findings remain heterogeneous, and further research is needed to refine treatment selection criteria, establish optimal dosing strategies, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.
Language: English
Subfield: Biological Psychiatry
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,690
Funder: Universidade de Lisboa
OpenAlex ID: W4410259019