Exploring the Role of Inflammation in Depression

The scientific literature has highlighted the role of inflammation in major depressive disorder (MDD), permeating several states of the disease. In chronic systemic inflammation, altered biological processes can impair the blood-brain barrier (BBB)​​. Chronic dysregulation of the immune system, with increased release of inflammatory cytokines, affects the BBB and the central nervous system (CNS), altering several neurophysiological mechanisms, which can culminate in MDD, among other psychiatric disorders. Among the altered neurophysiological mechanisms, it is possible to highlight the oxidative balance, dysregulation of the release and function of neurotransmitters, neuronal signaling pathways, and metabolic pathways, such as the kynurenine pathway, among other pathways and mechanisms, impairing the structure and function of brain regions involved in mood regulation. Research has highlighted that these altered mechanisms from inflammation can lead to MDD or aggravate depressive conditions, culminating in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

This research topic, “Exploring the Role of Inflammation in Depression,” invites high-quality submissions, specifically addressing the involvement of inflammation in major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Papers will be published that address the biological mechanisms underlying inflammation or biological phenomena that culminate in immune system impairment, pointing to inflammatory and neuroinflammatory processes and depression. Papers that point to potential therapeutic strategies for MDD and TRD involving biological mechanisms that interact with inflammation and neuroinflammation are also welcomed.

In this research topic, we are inviting researchers to submit original research findings in humans and animals, narrative reviews, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, brief research reports, case reports, and community case studies, among other types of studies related to, but not limited to, the following topics:

- Biological mechanisms underlying inflammation involved in the triggering or worsening of MDD.
- Effect of inflammation and neuroinflammation on biological mechanisms associated with MDD and TRD.
- Biological processes altered by hyperinflammation and inflammation, culminating in neuroinflammation and MDD.
- Biological mechanisms altered by inflammation, culminating in BBB breakdown, neuroinflammation, and MDD.
- Potential therapeutic strategies and targets for MDD and TRD involving inflammation and neuroinflammation.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Major Depressive Disorder, Treatment-resistant depression, Inflammation Neuroinflammation Blood-brain barrier, Neurotransmission Glial changes

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.