Khandaker GM, et al. - In a population-based birth cohort, researchers looked at the association of Asp358Ala (a functional variant in the IL6R gene [IL6R Asp358Ala; rs2228145 A>C]) with diagnosis of depression and psychosis, serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein levels, and a number of risk factors commonly linked with inflammation, depression or psychosis. This study yielded further evidence that demonstrated the involvement of IL-6/IL6R pathways in the pathogenesis of severe depression and psychosis. Furthermore, data suggested that these pathways may be novel therapeutic targets. Previously reported links between IL-6, depression and psychosis were unlikely to be fully explained by confounding.