A Novel Mouse Model of Depression: Advantages in Immune Research and Clinical Translation.

ABSTRACT: The role of neuroimmune mechanisms in major depressive disorder (MDD) has been gradually highlighted, but existing classical animal models of MDD have limitations in immune inflammation research due to physical injury, high mortality rates, and immune tolerance. This study developed a novel mouse model of depression called the post-witness social defeat stress (PWSDS) model, which combines witness stress with the social defeat paradigm. The model was evaluated based on behavior, central and peripheral immune responses, and predictive validity. The findings revealed that PWSDS-exposed mice exhibited significant anxiety-like behavior, depressive-like behavior, cognitive deficits, and enhanced peripheral and central neuroimmune responses. Additionally, the antidepressant fluoxetine effectivel

SUBMITTER: Xiong J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12035903 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature