Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Stress-induced immune dysregulation: implications for wound healing, infectious disease and cancer
Jonathan P Godbout1, Ronald Glaser
1Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
The communication between the central nervous system and the immune system occurs via a complex network of bidirectional signals linking the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has provided new insights to help understand the pathophysiological processes that are linked to the immune system. Work in this field has established that psychological stress disrupts the functional interaction between the nervous and immune systems. Stress-induced immune dysregulation has been shown to be significant enough to result in health consequences, including reducing the immune response to vaccines, slowing wound healing, reactivating latent herpesviruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and enhancing the risk for more severe infectious disease. Chronic stress/depression can increase the peripheral production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6. High serum levels of IL-6 have been linked to risks for several conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mental health complications, and some cancers. This overview will discuss the evidence that psychological stress promotes immune dysfunction that negatively impacts human health.
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects