What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the role of immune dysregulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology, neurodevelopmental origins, and symptom severity of first-episode psychosis (FEP).

August 19, 2026Brain SciencesOpen Access

Cytokines in First-Episode Psychosis: Implications for Pathophysiology: A Narrative Literature Review

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Authors

LTLindokuhle Thela BNBongani Nkambule ZMZama Msibi

Discussion

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Overview

Narrative review uncovers elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in first-episode psychosis, suggesting immune dysfunction interacts with dopamine signaling to drive disease onset and severity.

Key Points

To review the role of immune dysregulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology, neurodevelopmental origins, and symptom severity of first-episode psychosis (FEP).
Conducted a non-systematized narrative literature search using Google Scholar and PubMed.
Synthesized findings from studies evaluating cytokine profiles, environmental risk factors, and dopamine interactions in primary first-episode psychosis.
Individuals presenting with first-episode psychosis consistently exhibit elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
Cytokine dysregulation early in neurodevelopment contributes to aberrant neuronal maturation and interacts bidirectionally with dopamine systems to alter psychotic symptom severity.
Antipsychotic therapies partially normalize cytokine concentrations, with these immune changes correlating directly with clinical symptom improvement.

Cite This Study

Thela et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8563eb03308d306e2d769c https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16080867

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August 19, 2026Brain SciencesOpen Access

Cytokines in First-Episode Psychosis: Implications for Pathophysiology: A Narrative Literature Review

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

LTLindokuhle Thela BNBongani Nkambule ZMZama Msibi

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Narrative review uncovers elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in first-episode psychosis, suggesting immune dysfunction interacts with dopamine signaling to drive disease onset and severity.

Key Points

To review the role of immune dysregulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology, neurodevelopmental origins, and symptom severity of first-episode psychosis (FEP).
Conducted a non-systematized narrative literature search using Google Scholar and PubMed.
Synthesized findings from studies evaluating cytokine profiles, environmental risk factors, and dopamine interactions in primary first-episode psychosis.
Individuals presenting with first-episode psychosis consistently exhibit elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
Cytokine dysregulation early in neurodevelopment contributes to aberrant neuronal maturation and interacts bidirectionally with dopamine systems to alter psychotic symptom severity.
Antipsychotic therapies partially normalize cytokine concentrations, with these immune changes correlating directly with clinical symptom improvement.

Cite This Study

Thela et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8563eb03308d306e2d769c https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16080867

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