Evidence suggests that pathogen-associated pattern recognition receptors (Toll-like receptors, TLRs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. TLRs are important in both peripheral immune responses and neuronal plasticity. However, the relationship between peripheral TLR expression and regional brain volumes is unknown in schizophrenia. We therefore assessed 30 drug-naïve, first-episode patients with schizophrenia. TLR4+/TLR1+ monocytes were measured using flow-cytometry. High resolution magnetic resonance images (T1 MRI) were obtained and analyzed with FreeSurfer. Results revealed significant negative correlations between the percentage of TLR4+ monocytes, mean fluorescent intensities, and brain volumes in frontal and anterior cingulate regions. The measures of TLR1+ monocytes did not show significant relationships with regional brain volumes. These results raise the possibility that abnormal TLR-activation is associated with decreased brain volumes in schizophrenia.

[Depression and anxiety disorders are major problems both in psychiatric and in general practice because of their frequency and recurring character. Owing to their common complications (suicide, suicide attempts, secondary alcoholism / drug disease, increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, loss of work, social isolation, etc.) they are the cause of significant individual, family and social burdens. In our paper we review the clinically revealable suicide risk and protective factors that can be observed in depression and anxiety disorders as well as the main aspects of the recognition and care of suicidal patients. With available medicines and non-pharmacological therapies, the vast majority of depressive and anxiety patients can be successfully treated and in most cases we can prevent suicidal behavior associated with these diseases. Besides psychiatrists general practitioners as well play a significant role in preventing suicidal behavior and in the recognition of suicide risk. ]

[Studies performed in the past few years have confirmed that vitamin D is essential for maintaining the optimal immune defense, and its immunomodulatory effect has a role in the defense against infections as well. A lot of data suggest that low serum 25-(OH)-D concentration is associated with an increased frequency of certain infections and it adversely influences pathological processes. Data on this adverse effect are available mostly in case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respiratory viral infections in general, HIV, hepatitis C and sepsis. The outcomes of severe infections are usually influenced by a number of factors and it seems that vitamin D deficiency is one of those factors that shift the process towards an unfavourable outcome. Further studies should evaluate the significance of this role and the influence of vitamin D supplementation on pathological processes.]

[Authors describe the essentials of the cellular immunity of Drosophila. They describe the Drosophila CD system, the main blood cell lineages and a blood cell differentiation model based on the expression of the CD antigens.]

[Toll-like receptors have been extensively studied in the last few years. These receptors are involved in the mechanisms how microbes and infections are linked to natural immunity and some autoimmune-inflammatory processes. Here author reviews the latest news on Tolllike receptors with much emphasis on their role on epithelial cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting Toll-like receptors are also discussed.]