The Role of Folate Receptor α Autoantibodies in Folate Deficiency, Disease Severity, and Treatment Response in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder.

Background: Low concentrations of systemic folates have been associated with a higher risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and more severe symptoms. Moreover, folate supplementation has been shown to increase the response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Folates reach the brain through the choroid plexus via transcytosis mediated by the folate receptor alpha (FRα).