neural Immune interactions

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Journal of Neuroimmunology

Volume 172, Issues 1-2 , March 2006, Pages 38-58

doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.10.017

Copyright © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neural-immune interactions: An integrative view of the bidirectional

relationship between the brain and immune systems

Danuta Wrona,

Department of Animal Physiology, University of Gdansk, Poland

Received 18 April 2005; revised 12 October 2005; accepted 31 October 2005.

Available online 10 January 2006.

Abstract

This review briefly summarizes a part of the relevant knowledge base of

neuroimmunology, with particular emphasis on bidirectional neural-immune

interactions. These complex systems interact at multiple levels. Both

neuroendocrine (the primary hormonal pathway is hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

axis) and neuronal (direct sympathetic innervation of the lymphoid organs)

pathways are involved in the control of the humoral and cellular immune

responses. Although, the recent evidence has been made on immunosuppressive

effect of acetylcholine-secreting neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The immune system, in turn, influences the central nervous system primarily

through cytokines. At the molecular level, neuro- and immune signal molecules

(hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, cytokines) or their receptors are

member of the same superfamily which enable the mutual neuroimmune

communication. Most extensively studied are

cytokine-neuropeptide/neurotransmitter interactions and the subcellular and

molecular mechanisms of these interactions. At the system (neuroanatomical)

level, advances in neural-immune communication have been made in the role of

discrete brain areas related to emotionality. The immunoenhancement, including

the antiviral and antitumor cytotoxic activity, related to the " brain reward

system " , limbic structures and neocortex, offers a new directions for therapy in

immune disorders.