Provides a comprehensive summary of the scientific evidence regarding the role of immune system in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychoses

Covers both basic science and clinical research

Preface.- A Brief History of Immunological Research into Psychosis and Pathways for Immune Influence of the Brain.-Basic Concept of Microglia Biology and Neuroinflammation in Relation to Psychiatry.- Epidemiological Studies of Prenatal and Childhood Infection and Schizophrenia.- Schizophrenia, Cytokines and Other Systemic Inflammatory Mediators [to include oxidative stress and lymphocyte alterations].- Association between Schizophrenia, Microbial Infection and Microbiota.- Autoantibodies and psychosis.- Effect of Infection on Cognition in Schizophrenia and Healthy People.- Role of Infection, Autoimmunity, Atopic Disorders and the Immune System in Schizophrenia: Evidence from Epidemiological and Genetic Studies.- Microglial Activation and Psychotic Disorders: Evidence from Pre-clinical and Clinical Studies.- Early-Life Adversity, Systemic Inflammation, and Co-Morbid Physical and Psychiatric Illnesses of Adult Life.- Inflammation, Antipsychotic Drugs and Evidence for Effectiveness ofAnti-inflammatory Agents in Schizophrenia.