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A03 - Dissecting the contribution of immune cell activation dependent neuronal connectivity changes to disease trajectories in depression 

Luisa Klotz, Michael Ziller, Andreas Forstner

Altered innate immune responses, particularly in certain types of immune cells (e.g., monocytes and microglial cells), influence disease trajectories in depression. Our project investigates whether heightened neuroinflammation in severe depression affects neuronal circuit function. We compare extreme disease trajectory groups (severe or benign) and employ induced pluripotent stem cell-based models to explore microglial cell sensitivity and activation, and to assess their influence on synaptic plasticity and microcircuit function. The aim is to identify molecular targets for potential therapeutic interventions in severe depression.