Antibody Gene Therapy Mitigates Adverse Immunological Effects of 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Male BALB/c Mice

MDMA, a recreational drug often used at raves, has toxic effects beyond its positive feelings. In the body's periphery, it suppresses the immune system, making users more vulnerable to infection. In the central nervous system, it triggers a proinflammatory response involving glial cell activation and overproduction of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. The authors suggest a treatment that could reduce these harmful effects would be beneficial.

Study at a glance

Abstract

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular recreational psychostimulant and hallucinogen typically used in “rave” settings. Despite the “positive” feelings sometimes associated with its use, there are toxicities that accompany its use. In the periphery, MDMA causes immunosuppression that can make users more susceptible to infection. Conversely, in the CNS MDMA initiates a proinflammatory response that is linked to glial activation and the subsequent overproduction of cytokines, chemokines, and even cellular adhesion molecules. A treatment that could potentially mitigate these effects would be beneficial.