IL-4 improves stress tolerance and reduces depression

"Psychoimmunology" After half a century of development, people have begun to realize that pro-inflammatory cytokines (Th17 cytokines, Th1/Th2 cytokines, etc.
) play an extremely important role in stress-induced depression and other mental diseases.
.

(Refer to the previous article: Depression is a chronic inflammation caused by stress.

) Pro-inflammatory cytokines in mental diseases (Document 1) Since pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in inducing mental diseases, cytokines that inhibit inflammation, such as Can IL-4 enhance the body's tolerance to stress and resist the occurrence of depression? The mechanism of IL-4 enhancing stress tolerance.
In 2021, Science Advances published the results of scientists from Chengdu University of Electronic Science and Technology, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences: IL4-driven microglia modulate stress resilience through BDNF-dependent neurogenesis , Sci.
Adv.
2021; 7: eabb9888IL-4 can drive microglia to release BDNF, promote neurogenesis, and enhance stress tolerance.

Research Abstract: The neurogenesis of the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus is regulated by a specific microglia cell population, and is functionally related to the behavioral response to stress.

 Scientists have discovered that IL4-driven microglia (high expression of Arg1) are essential for maintaining hippocampal neurogenesis and stress resistance.

By knocking out microglia IL4R, it reduces Arg1 microglia in the hippocampus, inhibits hippocampal nerve regeneration, and enhances stress vulnerability.

By enhancing IL4 signal, enhancing hippocampal Arg1 microglia, restoring hippocampal neurogenesis and resilience to stress-induced depression.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is believed to be necessary for IL4-driven microglia-triggered neurogenesis.

In conclusion, this study shows that IL4-driven microglia in the hippocampus trigger BDNF-dependent neurogenesis, respond to chronic stress, and help prevent depression-like symptoms.

These findings confirm the regulation of specific microglia phenotypes as a treatment strategy for mood disorders.

IL4-driven Arg1+ microglia protected mice from stress-induced depressive-like behaviors.
360 Comments: Modern working life, various stress states, induce depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses, which affect the quality of life.

Reduce inflammation and relieve mental sub-health state.

Main references Ele´ onore Beurel et al, The Bidirectional Relationship of Depression and Inflammation: Double Trouble, Neuron 107, July 22, 2020 Zhang et al.
, IL4-driven microglia modulate stress resilience through BDNF-dependent neurogenesis, Sci.
Adv.
2021 ; 7: eabb9888