How do cytokines affect the brain?

Cytokines affect neurocircuits in the brain, including the basal ganglia and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), through their effects on neurotransmitter systems. This can cause significant behavioral changes depending on which part of the brain is affected. The impact of inflammatory cytokines on the basal ganglia can result in diminished motor activity and motivation. Activation of the dACC pathways triggers alarm bells, leading to hypervigilance. While these reactions form the foundation of successful immunologic response to infection or trauma, chronic activation can lead to chronic withdrawal, which manifests as depression or chronic hypervigilance, which manifests as anxiety