The thickness of the cerebral cortex is correlated with the epigenetic profile of immune-related genes. (Image: University of Basel, Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences)
In two independent studies, scientists at the University of Basel have demonstrated that both the structure of the brain and several memory functions are linked to immune system genes. The scientific journals Nature Communications and Nature Human Behaviour have published the results of the research. The body's immune system performs essential functions, such as defending against bacteria and cancer cells. However, the human brain is separated from immune cells in the bloodstream by the so-called blood-brain barrier. This barrier protects the brain from pathogens and toxins circulating in the blood, while also dividing the immune cells of the human body into those that fulfill their function in the blood and those that work specifically in the brain. Until recently, it was thought that brain function was largely unaffected by the peripheral immune system. However, in the past few years, evidence has accumulated to indicate that the blood's immune system could in fact have an impact on the brain.
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