The Immune System May Alter Our Behavior
The immune system is our body's defense system against harmful germs and illnesses. It helps keep us healthy by fighting off infections. However, recent research has shown that the immune system can also affect our behavior.
When our body detects an infection or injury, it activates the immune response. During this process, special molecules called cytokines are released. These cytokines act as messengers, communicating between immune cells and other cells in the body, including those in the brain.
Sometimes, these cytokines can cross the protective barrier that surrounds the brain and interact with brain cells. This interaction can cause changes in how our brain works and can influence our behavior.
For example, when we get sick, our immune system goes into action to fight off the infection. This immune response can make us feel tired, lose our appetite, and reduce our motivation to do things. These changes in behavior help our body conserve energy to focus on getting better.
In some cases, when the immune response is too strong or lasts for a long time, it can lead to more significant changes in behavior. For instance, it can cause mood swings, memory problems, or even feelings of sadness or anxiety. Recent research has found that mice allergic to ova lost their aversion to the protein in their water if Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, produced by the immune system, were blocked. This shows that when blocking IgE as an initiator, the transmission of information was interrupted, so that mice no longer avoided the allergen.
This new understanding opens the door to potential treatments for conditions where the immune system and the brain interact, like some autoimmune diseases or mental health disorders.
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