Neuroimmunology studies can provide effective strategies for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Ace Therapeutics leverages our expertise in neuroimmunology and advanced technologies to help clients develop immunodiagnostic biomarkers and establish rapid, accurate diagnostics. Our dedicated R&D team is committed to providing one-stop, high-quality solutions to help our customers achieve accurate diagnoses of psychiatric disorders.

Introduction of Neuroimmunology-Based Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders

Accumulating scientific evidence suggests that inflammatory responses in the central nervous system are implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Relevant evidence includes:

• Concentrations of inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-6, IFN-γ, and cortisol) are elevated in peripheral blood during psychotic episodes.
• Major depressive disorder is associated with activation of the peripheral immune system, as evidenced by elevated levels of inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein).

Therefore, identifying neuroimmune biomarkers and developing corresponding neuroimmunological diagnostic tools is critical for optimizing the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, monitoring disease progression, or stratifying patients. Ace Therapeutics applies our expertise and platform technology to explore potential immune biomarkers to support the development of immunological diagnostics for psychiatric disorders and assist our clients in achieving a more accurate disease diagnosis.

Fig. 1 Depiction of neuroimmune network model. (Nusslock, R. et al., 2024)

Our Neuroimmunological Diagnostic Methods Development Services for Psychiatric Disorders

• Discovery of inflammatory biomarkers

In our lab at Ace Therapeutics, we identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with psychiatric disorders from biological samples through high-throughput screening and bioinformatics analysis. These markers may include cytokines, chemokines, enzyme markers, and inflammation-related mRNAs.

• Validation of inflammatory biomarkers

The clinical relevance and specificity of the identified biomarkers are verified through laboratory testing and clinical sample analysis. This typically includes techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry.

• Immunological diagnostic method development service for psychiatric disorders

Ace Therapeutics develops validated biomarkers into rapid, reliable immunodiagnostic tests based on client demands. Our extensive team of professionals provides integrated solutions designed to help clients achieve the development of companion diagnostics for psychiatric disorders.

Our Technologies and Capabilities

• Standardization of iPSC-derived immune cell and neuron protocols.
• In vitro systems to understand cell–cell interactions.
• Reliable animal models of psychiatric disorders.
• Labeling methods for identifying different immune cell types and activation levels in the brain.
• Non-invasive live imaging methods to visualize immune cells and the effects of inflammation at high resolution, in human and animal models in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Ace Therapeutics aims to apply our expertise and extensive experience to provide new perspectives and tools for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Please contact us for more details and our professional team will provide you with a comprehensive solution to support your research program.

References

1. Nusslock, R.; et al. Annual Research Review: Neuroimmune network model of depression: a developmental perspective. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 65.4 (2024): 538-567.
2. Caldwell, L. J.; et al. Maximising the potential of neuroimmunology. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 87 (2020): 189-192.