The DMT and Psilocin Treatment Changes CD11b+ Activated Microglia Immunological Phenotype

Summary

DMT and psilocin, two classic psychedelics, can modulate microglial functions by reducing immune response markers and enhancing a neuroprotective receptor. Psilocin specifically promotes neuronal survival by diminishing the phagocytic activity of microglia. The findings suggest that these psychedelics may be viable candidates for treating neurological disorders characterized by inflammation and microglial activation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics are new, promising candidate molecules for clinical use in psychiatric disorders such as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They were recently also proposed as molecules supporting neural tissue repair by anti-inflammatory properties. Here we reported that two classic psychedelics, DMT and psilocin, can influence microglial functions by reducing the level of TLR4, p65, CD80 proteins, which are markers of the immune response, and upregulat TREM2 neuroprotective receptor. Psilocin also secured neuronal survival in the neuron-microglia co-culture model by attenuating the phagocytic function of microglia. We conclude that DMT and psilocin regulate the immunomodulatory potential of microglia. Of note, psychedelics were previously reported as a relatively safe treatment approach. The demonstrated regulation of inflammatory molecules and microglia phagocytosis suggests that psychedelics or their analogs are candidates in the therapy of neurological disorders where microglia and inflammation significantly contribute to pathogenic disease mechanisms.