Links between stress and the immune system

Psychosocial stress has a major impact on health, particularly on immune system and brain function. Numerous studies have established a link between alterations in the immune system and stress-related disorders, such as major depressive disorder. In this study, researchers investigated the underlying mechanisms. They showed that matrix metalloproteinase 8 was increased in patients with major depressive disorder. This protein is specific to circulating myeloid cells. The researchers were able to decipher the mechanisms linking immune system cells and stress-related disorders, using mouse models.