Neuroimmunity: Physiology and Pathology

Annu Rev Immunol. 2016 May 20:34:421-47. doi: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-041015-055340. Epub 2016 Feb 22.

Abstract

Evolution has yielded multiple complex and complementary mechanisms to detect environmental danger and protect tissues from damage. The nervous system rapidly processes information and coordinates complex defense behaviors, and the immune system eliminates diverse threats by virtue of mobile, specialized cell populations. The two systems are tightly integrated, cooperating in local and systemic reflexes that restore homeostasis in response to tissue injury and infection. They further share a broad common language of cytokines, growth factors, and neuropeptides that enables bidirectional communication. However, this reciprocal cross talk permits amplification of maladaptive feedforward inflammatory loops that contribute to the development of allergy, autoimmunity, itch, and pain. Appreciating the immune and nervous systems as a holistic, coordinated defense system provides both new insights into inflammation and exciting opportunities for managing acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: NaV1.8; TRPV1; allergy; asthma; immunity; inflammation; nociceptor; pain; pathogen.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity
  • Cell Communication
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / physiopathology*
  • Inflammation*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroimmunomodulation*
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Pain / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptides