β2-Microglobulin abnormalities in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia: Evidence for immune pathogenesis

Studies examining immune dysfunction in schizophrenia have reported decreased type-1 T-helper cell specific immunity (Th1) and increased type-2 T-helper cell specific immunity (Th2) and related abnormalities in inflammatory system. beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2M) influences the development of dendritic cells, which play a significant role in regulating the differentiation of naive CD4(+)T cells into Th1 or Th2 lineages. The present study examined serum beta 2M in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients (n = 43) in comparison with age, sex, handedness and socioeconomic Status matched healthy controls (n = 43). Serum beta 2M was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients (1692.6 +/- 354.4 ng/mL) than healthy controls (1409.6 +/- 246.9 ng/mL) (t = 4.3; p < 0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation between beta 2M level and total psychopathology score (r = 0.32; p = 0.035). These novel observations suggest that beta 2M abnormalities might have a potential association with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.