Immunogenetic aspects of viral or other environmental factors in schizophrenia

Neuronal regulation appears to be vulnerable to cytokines of the immune sys tem. Environmental microbial factors can stimulate the production of such c ytokines. The type of cytokine, elaborated in the course of acute and chron ic infections, depends on the individual immunogenetic disposition. Example s of immune reponses will be discussed that can lead to a polarized overpro duction of some cytokines in dependance of the immunogenetic disposition.