Neural immunoregulation: emerging roles for nerves in immune homeostasis and disease

Immunol Today. 2000 Jun;21(6):281-9. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5699(00)01635-2.

Abstract

In this review, James Downing and Jaleel Miyan outline emerging evidence for neural mechanisms that contribute to specific categories of host defence. Involvement of direct innervation in the adaptive control of immunological responses complements an established view of neuroendocrine-immune modulation. The challenge remains to understand the integrative and homeostatic functions of 'hardwiring' of peripheral immune effector sites, its bearing on disorder and potential for therapeutic modification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Animals
  • Capillary Permeability / physiology
  • Cell Movement
  • Enteric Nervous System / physiology
  • Glucocorticoids / physiology
  • Homeostasis
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / innervation
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Models, Immunological
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology*
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / physiology*
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology
  • Rats
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Stress, Physiological / immunology
  • Stress, Physiological / physiopathology
  • Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / physiology
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids