Acod1/itaconate axis controls anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii in mice - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #anxiety
- #Toxoplasma gondii
- #neuroinflammation
- Chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii induces anxiety-like behaviors in mice, linked to neuroinflammation.
- The Acod1/itaconate axis plays a key role in regulating these behaviors by modulating neuroinflammation.
- Genetic knockout of Acod1 in mice led to anxiety-like phenotypes, which were reversed by dimethyl itaconate (DI) treatment.
- DI treatment showed both prophylactic and therapeutic benefits, reducing anxiety-like behaviors in infected mice.
- Mechanistically, DI suppresses M1 polarization in microglia via Nrf2 signaling, reducing neuroinflammation and increasing serotonin levels.
- The study suggests the Acod1/itaconate axis as a potential drug target for T. gondii-associated neuropsychiatric conditions.