Neuroendocrine–immune interactions in homeostasis and autoimmunity

Recent experimental evidence confirms the interrelationships between the central nervous, neuroendocrine and immune systems. Indeed, extensive duality exists in the use of neurotransmitters, hormones and receptors each system displays. In the present annotation, the effect of cytokines, soluble mediators of immune function, on the CNS and neuroendocrine systems is addressed and conversely, we discuss the modification of the immune compartment by the sympathetic nervous and neuroendocrine systems, with particular reference to the role of noradrenaline and corticosterone. Dysfunction between the systems is considered in the context of autoimmune conditions, with emphasis on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and the contribution of corticosterone–driven T–cell apoptosis to recovery from the disease. Finally, we speculate on the relevance of neuroimmune interactions in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.