IFNγ-associated immune–metabolic remodeling is linked to serotonin–kynurenine imbalance and cortical vulnerability in lupus-prone mice

Together, these results support an associative framework in which systemic IFNγ levels are linked to cortical metabolic reprogramming and neuronal vulnerability, bridging peripheral immune activation with serotonergic depletion, melatonin loss, axonal injury, and behavioral dysfunction. Translationally, combined blood-based monitoring of IFNγ, NfL, and kynurenine metabolites may represent a candidate biomarker framework for NPSLE. However, validation in independent patient cohorts will be essential, and therapeutic modulation of IDO1/KMO or serotonergic pathways remains an avenue for future investigation.