Do immune system and microbiome–gut–brain axis interactions associate with major depressive disorder?

Nov 13, 2025Journal of translational medicine

Are interactions between the immune system and gut-brain communication linked to major depression?

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Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading psychiatric disorder with increasing global prevalence.

  • The immune system and gut microbiota may interact with the central nervous system in complex ways.
  • could disrupt both neuroimmune and intestinal immune balance.
  • This disruption may lead to impaired intestinal barrier function, resulting in bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation.
  • Activation of innate immune pathways, including TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasomes, is associated with and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
  • Gut microbiota and their metabolites may have neuroprotective effects by facilitating neurotransmitter synthesis and modulating immune responses.

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