Depression: the key role of neuroinflammation

Depression is a complex multifactorial condition whose underlying mechanisms have still not been elucidated. Available treatments are therefore far from effective, and it is estimated that 30% of patients are resistant to conventional treatment. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with teams from Sainte-Anne Hospital, have shed light on the role of brain inflammation as a mechanism that may lead to depression. This is an important discovery in our understanding of the condition, paving the way for new treatment possibilities.

According to WHO, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with major consequences for individuals and a high cost for society. Current antidepressant medications, which mainly target three molecules – serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine –, are only partially effective, with a remission rate of less than 65%. In recent years, an anesthetic agent, ketamine, has been the focus of considerable research. This molecule is often used to reduce pain and limit the consumption of post-operative opioids.

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