[Are lymphocytic anomalies in the schizophrenic a reflection of an immune deficit? Bibliographic review].

Concerning schizophrenia, several immune abnormalities are noticed. Lymphocytes are the main known immune agents. The review of the literature suggests a reduction of T-lymphocytes and a possible increase of B-lymphocytes. These results suggest an alteration of the cells immunity processes but it is difficult to know if the reason is due to the disease or to the neuroleptic treatments. One hypothesis would assume the existence of anti-T-lymphocyte antibodies in the schizophrenic. This could also lead to a viral hypothesis.