Neuroimmune System 4052784 213766157 2008-05-20T19:22:11Z 141.217.174.241 /* Structure */ By definition the '''neuroimmune system''' is comprised of the [[immune system]] and those components of the [[nervous system]] that modulate immune response. In practice, the neuroimmune system also includes [[hormonal]] signals and [[cytokine]]s that participate in signalling between the immune and nervous systems. ==Structure== See the article on the [[immune system]] for the structure the immune system. The key components of the nervous system that interact with the immune system are: * [[Hypothalamus]] * [[Pituitary gland]] * [[Vagus nerve]] The key components of the endocrine system that interact with the immune system are: * [[Adrenals]] ==Signals== Hormonal signaling between the nervous system and immune system is provided by: * [[Corticosteroid]]s Cytokine signaling between the nervous system and immune system is provided by: * Opioids ===Overview of neuro-immune interactions=== Cytokines regulate immune responses, possibly through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. There is growing evidence that auto-immune T-cells are involved in neurogenesis. Studies have shown that during times of adaptive immune system response, hyppocampal neurogenesis is increased, and conversely that auto-immune T-cells and microglia are important for neurogenesis (and so memory and learning) in healthy adults[http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v9/n2/abs/nn1629.html]. == External links == *[http://jorgesantia.googlepages.com Online Resources in Neuroimmunomodulation, Psychoneuroimmunology] ==See also== * [[immune system]] * [[Immunology]] * [[Neurology]] * [[Psychoneuroimmunology]] [[Category:Immune system]]