How do the nervous and immune systems communicate? This review explores the reciprocal relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system, where the CNS signals the immune system through hormones and neurons, and the immune system signals the CNS via cytokines. The primary hormonal pathway involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with hormones from the neuroendocrine stress response playing a key role. The sympathetic nervous system regulates immune function through adrenergic neurotransmitters. This neuroendocrine regulation is vital for survival during stress or infection and for modulating immune responses in inflammatory diseases. Glucocorticoids, acting through the glucocorticoid receptor, have multiple effects on immune cells and molecules. This comprehensive overview highlights the regulation of the immune response via the neuroendocrine system and the consequences of interruptions in this regulatory loop.
As a contribution to the Annual Review of Immunology, this paper aligns with the journal's aim to provide comprehensive and authoritative reviews of significant topics in immunology. By focusing on neuroendocrine regulation of immunity, this work offers valuable insights for researchers and clinicians interested in the interplay between the nervous and immune systems.