Review Immune-cognitive relationships across viral infections: A transnosological systematic review, 2026, Nuber-Champier

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Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews​

Volume 184, May 2026, 106588

Immune-cognitive relationships across viral infections: A transnosological systematic review​



Anthony Nuber-Champier a, Gautier Bréville b c, Patrice H. Lalive b d, Frédéric Assal b d, Julie A. Péron

a baClinical and Experimental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, SwitzerlandbNeurology Division, Geneva University Hospitals, SwitzerlandcDepartment of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USAdFaculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Received 13 November 2025, Revised 16 January 2026, Accepted 1 February 2026, Available online 2 February 2026, Version of Record 11 February 2026.

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Highlights​

  • •
    Immune signalling dynamically shapes cognitive processes.
  • •
    IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels are linked to lower memory and processing speed.
  • •
    Immune balance and intrinsic, extrinsic, trigger factors shape cognition.

Abstract​

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has renewed interest in the relationship between immunity and cognition.

Despite decades of work, the impact of viral exposure, mainly in the field of HIV, herpes and hepatitis infections, on distinct cognitive processes remains unclear, as most studies use global screening tools (e.g., MoCA) in isolation in each infectious context.

This systematic narrative review adopts a transnosological approach, summarizing previously reported immune–cognition relationships across viral infections.

Of 931 studies, 32 met inclusion criteria (N = 25,325) spanning SARS-CoV-2, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, and multiple infections.

Reported studies on immuno-cognitive relationships reveal several consistent findings.

Elevated circulating CD14+CD16+ intermediate monocytes correlated with slower processing speed, reduced episodic memory and mental flexibility.

Higher CD4+ T cells were associated with better processing speed, while reduced T cells and B cells levels together with elevated IgG predicted deficits in memory and attention.

Most proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were associated with impairments in overlapping cognitive domains (e.g., memory), whereas IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, consistently supported executive and memory performance.
 
www.eurekalert.org

How viruses mess with our brains

What impact does a viral infection have on our memory, attention, and concentration? The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited interest in this question, which has now been extended to other infections such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis. A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva...
www.eurekalert.org

News Release 5-Mar-2026

How viruses mess with our brains​

A team from the UNIGE and the HUG reviewed 900 scientific articles to better understand the impact of viruses on memory, attention, and concentration.

Peer-Reviewed Publication
Université de Genève


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What impact does a viral infection have on our memory, attention, and concentration? The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited interest in this question, which has now been extended to other infections such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis. A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospital (HUG) reviewed over 900 scientific articles exploring the links between the immune system and cognitive functions. This analysis, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, has identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in the context of infection. It also provides a solid foundation for future research.


Despite decades of research, the effects of viral infections on cognitive functions—such as memory, concentration, and attention—remain poorly understood. Most studies rely on comprehensive screening tools, applied individually to each disease. However, the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with the frequency and persistence of post-infectious cognitive sequelae, has reignited interest in this area of research.


In a new study, a team from UNIGE and HUG compiled and analysed the results of 931 scientific articles examining the links between the immune system and cognitive functions across various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis. ''Our goal was to take a cross-disciplinary approach to move beyond the fragmented perspective that prevails in this field,'' explains Julie Péron, associate professor at the Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and at the Interfaculty Center for Affective Sciences, UNIGE, as well as a consulting neuropsychologist in the Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, HUG."


Several Biological ''Signatures'' Identified
This analysis confirms that persistent inflammation—initially a natural response by the body to an attack—could be linked to memory and concentration problems. More importantly, it highlights certain biological markers of the immune system associated with variations in cognitive performance. ''High levels of white blood cells called 'activated monocytes' and pro-inflammatory cytokines—proteins that enable the immune system to communicate—are correlated with a decline in episodic memory and information processing speed, '' says Anthony Nuber-Champier, a PhD student at the Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and at the Interfaculty Center for Affective Sciences, UNIGE, as well as the lead author of the study."


Conversely, certain markers, such as activated CD4+ T cells—also white blood cells—or anti-inflammatory cytokines, seem to be associated with better preservation of cognitive abilities. ''However, immune responses vary from person to person. What appears to be decisive is the balance between these different inflammatory signals in maintaining long-term cognitive stability,'' the researcher points out.


A Solid Foundation for Future Research
These findings contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive disorders observed after certain infections and lay the groundwork for further investigation. They also confirm the conclusions of several clinical studies conducted in the context of long COVID, including the COVID Cog and Trajectory projects, in which UNIGE and HUG are actively involved. Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), these projects aim to identify neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric deficits in post-COVID-19 patients.

Journal​

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

DOI​

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106588

Method of Research​

News article

Subject of Research​

Not applicable

Article Title​

Immune-cognitive relationships across viral infections: A transnosological systematic review

Article Publication Date​

11-Feb-2026

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Transnosological is a new and interesting word for me. It aparently refers to focusing on symptoms even if they cross disease boundaries.

A transnosological approach to fatigue would be a good example. it's part of everything, be great to get more ideas why.
 
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