First Evidence that Meningeal Interferon-γ Affects Neuronal Connectivity and Social Behavior
A recent study published in Nature magazine links the meningeal immunity to the regulation of social behavior, implicating the meningeal interferon (IFN)-γ and its modulatory effects on the activity of brain cortex GABAergic neurons. Diseases such as autism spectrum disorder, frontotemporal dementia and schizophrenia are characterized by severe social and immune dysfunction. Little is known […]
Norepinephrine May Shift the IL-12/IL-23 Ratio of Dendritic Cells towards IL-23 Predominance thus Favoring Th17 Differentiation
A new study published in the January 15, 2016 issue of the Journal of Immunology indicates that in murine bone marrow–derived dendritic cells (DCs), norepinephrine, via stimulation of β2-adrenoceptors, is able to promote a shift in the IL-12p70/IL-23 cytokine ratio. Primary and secondary lymphoid organs receive a rich autonomic nervous system innervation, mainly by the […]
More Evidence that Norepinephrine and β3-Adrenoreceptors May Drive Melanoma Progression & Aggressiveness
A report recently published in Oncotarget shows that the β3-adrenoreceptors are involved in melanoma aggressiveness, and that these receptors, expressed on several accessory cells, may orchestrate their function and thus, sustain melanoma progression. Recent research indicates that stress and stress mediators contribute to cancer development and/or progression. It appears that in this process a major […]
New Evidence that Peripheral Nerves Sense Infection and Drive IL-23 Production by Skin Dendritic Cells
In a new study published in the journal Immunity, Sakeen Kashem and colleagues from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA report that in the murine skin, IL-23, derived from CD301b+ DCs drives IL-17A production by γδ T cells, and this cytokine network is required to establish resistance to cutaneous candidiasis. Interleukin (IL)-23 is a […]
Low Cortisol and Glucocorticoid Signaling But High Levels of Inflammation: Risk Factors for Developing Depression in Patients with Coronary Heart Diseases
A new Brain Behavior and Immunity study indicates that depression in coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with high levels of inflammation in the context of low cortisol output and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) resistance. Coronary heart disease (CHD) and major depressive disorders (MDD) are among the major causes of disability in developed countries. There is […]
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Inhibits Pathogenic Th17 Cells from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology indicates that in blood from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) shifts the activity of T cells towards a more T regulatory cell phenotype, and reduces the pathogenic profile of T helper (Th)17 cells. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is well-known for its immunoregulatory […]
Evidence for Small Fiber Neuropathy in the Cornea of Fibromyalgia Patients
A new study published in Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism indicates that in patients with fibromyalgia the density of small nerve fibers in the cornea is reduced, supporting an evolving concept that fibromyalgia is a small fiber neuropathy. Fibromyalgia is also considered a stress-related syndrome that affects predominantly women. Recent research suggests that fibromyalgia is […]
Cytokines Driving Sympathetic Nervous System Activation in the Subfornical Organ: Implications for Heart Failure and Hypertension
A recent study published in Hypertension demonstrates that cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α acting at the level of the subfornical organ induce the expression of inflammatory and excitatory mediators that subsequently drive sympathetic nervous system activation. The subfornical organ (SFO), a highly vascularized structure is a circumventricular organ that lacks […]
Vitamin D Deficiency May Contribute to the Reduction of Sympathetic and Sensory Innervation in Arthritis
A new study published in Neuroscience demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency in experimental animals is related to sensory and sympathetic denervation and reduced neurotrophin levels in the synovium. Several studies have associated vitamin D levels with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development in humans. Thus, low vitamin D levels are documented in patients with active RA. Also […]
High Blood Interferon-γ Levels Linked to the Early Phase of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A study published in the February issue of the new journal Science Advances is perhaps the first to identify distinct stages of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Importantly, it demonstrates some immune signatures early in the course of ME/CFS that are not present in subjects with longer duration of illness. Although efforts were made to […]
