Interferon-alpha treatment increases kynurenine and quinolinic acid levels, which are associated with depression.

“We got spinal fluid and showed that indeed, and this is really interesting, that the interferon definitely jacks up kynurenine. Kynurenine levels in the blood and the spinal fluid are very, very similar. So we think it’s getting across. But you see a massive increase in quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid. Setting aside the kynurenic acid, which is interesting. It’s an NMDA antagonist. Quinolinic acid is an NMDA agonist. It causes neurotoxic effects. Quino linic acid skyrocketed under interferon treatment. That’s what’s associated with depression, powerfully.”