Neuronal Regulation of Immunity in the Skin and Lungs

Overview

Journal Trends Neurosci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2019 Jun 20

PMID 31213389

Citations 39

Authors

Kimbria J Blake

Xin Ru Jiang

Isaac M Chiu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The nervous and immune systems are classically studied as two separate entities. However, their interactions are crucial for maintaining barrier functions at tissues constantly exposed to the external environment. We focus here on the role of neuronal signaling in regulating the immune system at two major barriers: the skin and respiratory tract. Barrier tissues are heavily innervated by sensory and autonomic nerves, and are densely populated by resident immune cells, allowing rapid, coordinated responses to noxious stimuli, as well as to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Neural release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides allows fast communication with immune cells and their recruitment. In addition to maintaining homeostasis and fighting infections, neuroimmune interactions are also implicated in several chronic inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

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