Serotonin, immune function, and psychedelics as potent anti-inflammatories.
Charles D. Nichols, Timothy P. Foster
International review of neurobiology 2025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2025.04.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Immune system Psychedelic therapy psychedelics Therapeutic potential New strategy Compounds Anti-inflammatory research anti-inflammatory Powerful anti-inflammatory effects Inflammatory conditions Inflammation Modulate Serotonin receptors serotonin 5-ht2a receptors |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Some psychedelics have powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through activation of 5-HT2A receptors in preclinical models, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating inflammatory diseases. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are primarily recognized for their profound behavioral effects, leading most research on psychedelics and their primary target, the 5-HT2A receptor, to focus on brain activity. However, these receptors are not only found within the brain and are present in nearly every tissue and cell type throughout the body, playing a significant role alongside serotonin in modulating various processes, including immune function. Serotonin acting at 5-HT2A receptors generally promotes inflammation. Levels are elevated at sites of inflammation and through 5-HT2A receptor activation lead to events including increased cytokine production, eosinophil recruitment, T-cell activation, and mast cell degranulation. Some psychedelics, but not all, have been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through activation of 5-HT2A receptors in preclinical experimental systems and models of human inflammatory diseases. Human studies examining anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics are limited but suggestive that psychedelics may represent a new strategy to treat inflammatory diseases. In this review we will present an overview of serotonergic modulation of immune function, the role of 5-HT2A receptors in these processes, and a summary of key findings with psychedelics with regards to anti-inflammatory efficacy.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Psychedelics and longevity: implications for lifespan, healthspan and functional aging Longevity July 5, 2026
- Pretreatment with the psychedelic DOI mitigates LPS-induced hippocampal inflammation and behavioral impairments in mice BMC Neuroscience March 24, 2026
- Neuroinflammation, the gut-brain axis, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: A synthesis of emerging paradigms in psychiatric care Future Health February 13, 2026
Cites 8
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and 3 more in the library