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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
07:37
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Proinflammatory cytokines and sickness behavior in rheumatic diseases
D Lorton1, C L Lubahn, A J Zautra
1Arthritis Center, Sun Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 1278, Sun City, AZ 85372, USA. dianne.lorton@mail.sunhealth.org
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Immune cells signal the brain, influencing mood and behavior in chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dysregulated immune responses contribute to psychological disorders, highlighting a complex mind-body connection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The central nervous system (CNS) regulates immune function via autonomic and neuroendocrine pathways.
- Immune cells act as sensory organs, relaying peripheral information to the CNS, influencing neural activity, behavior, and autonomic function.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by failed homeostatic regulation and persistent immune activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of immune-to-brain signaling in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
- To explore how these signaling pathways contribute to mood, affect, and behavioral changes.
- To understand the complex relationship between rheumatic disease pathology and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immune-to-brain signaling pathways.
- Analysis of neuroendocrine and autonomic modulation of immune responses.
- Examination of immune cell communication with CNS areas (autonomic, limbic, cortical).
Main Results:
- Immune cells inform the CNS about peripheral conditions like infection and injury.
- Failure in homeostatic mechanisms leads to chronic immune activation in diseases like RA.
- Rheumatic disorders are associated with higher rates of psychological disorders due to challenges in adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Immune-to-brain signaling is a critical factor in the psychological impact of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
- Understanding these pathways is essential for addressing the complex interplay between physical disease and mental health.
- Dysregulated immune responses in RA and similar conditions have significant consequences for both physical and psychological health.
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