Research Progress on Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation in PTSD

PMCID: PMC12171638

PMID: 40525295

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70633

Journal: Brain and behavior

Publication Date: 2025-6-17

Authors: Yang L, Lu J, Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Yang W, et al.

Key Points

• PTSD is characterized by significant immune system dysregulation with consistent pro-inflammatory cytokine elevations
• Multiple studies demonstrated increased inflammatory markers in blood, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid across diverse patient populations
• Neuroinflammation may represent a critical therapeutic target for novel PTSD interventions

Summary

This comprehensive narrative review explores the intricate relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and inflammatory processes, revealing a complex immunological landscape that extends beyond traditional psychological understanding. By systematically analyzing research from PubMed and Web of Science, the study demonstrates significant immune system dysregulation in PTSD, characterized by pronounced imbalances in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines across multiple biological fluids.

The research highlights consistent inflammatory markers in PTSD, with notable increases in cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in both human and animal models. These findings suggest that neuroinflammatory processes are not merely secondary effects but potentially integral to PTSD pathogenesis, linking immune dysfunction directly to cognitive and emotional disturbances. The review emphasizes the potential for developing inflammation-targeted therapies and precision treatment strategies that could revolutionize PTSD management by addressing underlying immunological mechanisms.