Final answer:
The Mossman paper focuses on the roles of Th1 and Th2 cells in the immune system, detailing their distinct cytokine profiles and associations with various immune responses, and their relationship to patterns and types of major depressive disorder (MDD). It explains how an imbalance between Th1 (inflammation and autoimmunity) and Th2 (allergic responses) may contribute to the immunopathology of depression, with specific cytokine patterns linked to different depressive conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mossman paper discusses the balance between two subsets of cytokine-producing T cells, namely Th1 and Th2, and their relationship to immune responses in depression (MDD). Th1 cells are associated with inflammation and autoimmune conditions, characterized by cytokine production such as IFN-y, TNF-α or IL-1. On the other hand, Th2 cells are related to allergic responses and conditions such as asthma, producing cytokines like IL-6, IL-10 or IL-13. Evidence suggests a Th1/Th2 imbalance in MDD patients, with a predominance of Th1 activation linked to certain types of depression, such as post-partum depression, and varying immune profiles in different types of MDD. The study's data indicates that immune responses, marked by cytokine presence and T cell activities, could influence depressive states and their symptoms.
Additionally, the role of Th17 cells in immunity, particularly in chronic mucocutaneous infections, identifies another layer of complexity in the immune response with relevance to MDD. The differentiation of naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes into Th1 and Th2, as well as the activation of B cells by Th2, are processes central to the adaptive immune system's function in targeting specific pathogens. Understanding the cytokine profiles and individual roles of Th1 and Th2 cells can assist in the identification and treatment of different manifestations of depression and associated immune dysregulation.