New Study Links Signaling by Immune Cells in the Meninges to Anxiety-Like Behavior

A new study provides insights into how a population of immune cells in the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) regulates anxiety-like behavior in mice through neuroimmune signaling. The study, partially funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, was published in the journal Nature Immunology.

Previous research has shown that many kinds of immune cells exist in the meninges of healthy mice, where they are well positioned to help defend the central nervous system against infections. These cells, and the cytokines (small proteins involved in signaling) that they produce, also affect brain functions and behavior. This study focused on the cytokine interleukin (IL)-17a produced by γδ17 T cells in the meninges. Previous studies have suggested that IL-17a can cause behavior changes.