Mind over cytokines: Crosstalk and regulation between the neuroendocrine and immune systems

Crosstalk between the neuroendocrine and immune systems is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in our bodies. Recent advances in neuroscience and immunology have elucidated the cellular and molecular basis for these bidirectional interactions. Neuronal and immune cells share a variety of neurotransmitters and cytokines as well as receptors, which enable these complex interactions. Individual hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides have their own specific spatial and temporal niches, and these overlap to facilitate crosstalk with each other. The neuroendocrine system has multilevel modulatory properties that affect the functions of the immune system, contributing to both activation and suppression. Neural regulation of immune responses is accomplished systemically by hormones, regionally by innervation and locally by neurotransmitters. In turn, immune cells regulate neural function and integrity directly through cytokines or through the vagus nerve. In the present review, these complex, multifaceted interactions at the molecular level are explained based on current knowledge. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2011.00023.x, January 2012)