Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
The neuroimmune regulatory network
Innervation
Hormones
Cytokines
Leukocytes
CNS
Hypothalamus
Thyroid
Pituitary
Adrenal
PRL
GH
1
2
a
a
Gonads
b
Liver
c
a
SH
IGF
3
Testis
Ovary
Pancreas
Submandibular
gland
Skin
Tonsils
Primary
lymphoid
tissue
Secondary
lymphoid
tissue
Circulating
lymphocytes
Thymus
Lymph
nodes
Peyer's
patches
Bone
marrow
(mammals)
Bursa
(birds)
Gastrointestinal
tract
Spleen
Figure 1.1 The NISS.
This figure shows the major systemic neuroimmune regulatory pathways during homeostasis.
In the center, two cells are interacting, which is the rule for all tissues and organs, where
stromal and parenchymal cells interact. As an example, we use here the phenomenon of antigen
presentation to a naïve T lymphocyte, which is an ADIM cell, by a macrophage, a cell of
the INIM system. Macrophages are phagocytic: they recognize infectious agents and foreign
materials via innate immune receptors (INIRs), engulf the microbe/foreign material, digest it,
and present peptides (epitopes) of the antigen on their MHC-II surface molecules to T cells.
T lymphocytes proliferate upon exposure to the antigen (phagocytic pathway). Monocytes,
dendritic cells, and B lymphocytes are also antigen-presenting cells. Further, all nucleated cells
can present cytosolic antigens to T lymphocytes (cytosolic pathway).
