13.2 PERIPHERAL IMMUNITY AND IMMUNE RESPONSE TO LPS IN EARLY PSYCHOSIS

Abstract

Background Immunological tolerance is dictated by the fine dynamic balance between effector T cells (Teffs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). The up-regulation of Teffs and functional impairment of Tregs cells have been implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and MS disease. Differentiation and function of T cells is tightly regulated by the cells of the innate immune system and alterations in the functioning and phenotype of monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) have been associated with several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. There is some evidence of alterations in monocyte and T-cell function in psychotic disorders, but systematical studies using modern immunological methods are scarce. Methods We have collected baseline and follow-up blood samples from 32 patients and 48 healthy matched controls. From fresh blood samples we have isolated PBMCs and frozen them for immunological analyses. We have cultured thawed PBMCs with or without LPS for one hour followed by staining of Tregs, Teffs, monocytes, CD141- myeloid DCs, CD141+ myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs with antibodies targeting cell surface receptors. Cell populations were then purified with a flow cytometer (BD Influx) and stored in RNAlater for transcriptome analysis with RNAseq. Dead cells were excluded from the sorting with Sytox blue staining. Frequencies of different cell populations will be analyzed from the FACS sorting data. Results We are currently analyzing RNAseq and flow cytometry data. The analyses will be ready during next winter and the analyses are presented in the SIRS meeting in spring 2019. Conclusions Our immunological studies will reveal detailed immunological status of patients with early psychosis and after the follow-up period. The results will be discussed in detail in the SIRS meeting in spring 2019.