Advances in Mendelian Randomization Studies on the Causal Relationship between Immune Cells and Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

In recent years, the incidence of psychiatric disorders has been steadily increasing, posing significant challenges to both individual health and social stability. Emerging evidence has highlighted a close association between immune cells and the onset and progression of various psychiatric conditions. Traditional approaches for inferring causality, such as randomized controlled trials and observational studies, are often limited by feasibility, bias, and confounding factors. Mendelian randomization (MR), which leverages genetic variants as instrumental variables, provides a powerful alternative for assessing causal relationships between immune cells and psychiatric disorders. This review summarizes recent advances in MR studies investigating the causal links between immune cell profiles and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. By integrating current evidence from MR studies, this review aims to provide new insights and reference points for future research exploring the relationship between immune cells and psychiatric disorders.