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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression

The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression

Published on: July 24, 2018

Circadian nature of immune function.

Ryan W Logan¹, Dipak K Sarkar

¹Endocrinology Program and Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

|July 26, 2011

Summary

The circadian system synchronizes organ functions, including the immune system, via the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Disruption of these internal biological clocks can impair immune responses and increase disease susceptibility.

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Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Published on: November 11, 2016

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Last Updated: May 30, 2026

The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression

The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression

Published on: July 24, 2018

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Published on: November 11, 2016

Area of Science:

Chronobiology
Immunology
Physiology

Background:

The circadian system synchronizes physiological processes with environmental cycles.
The immune system is regulated by both systemic circadian cues and intrinsic molecular clocks.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts as the master circadian pacemaker, influencing the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the circadian system on immune function.
To investigate the bidirectional interactions between circadian rhythms and the immune system.
To understand the consequences of circadian disruption on immune coordination and disease vulnerability.

Main Methods:

The study integrates knowledge from chronobiology and immunology.
It examines the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in conveying timing information.
It discusses the impact of molecular clocks within immune cells and systemic cues.

Main Results:

Circadian control influences immune cell clocks and daily immune function variations.
SCN signals are transmitted via endocrine and autonomic pathways, promoting immune clock coherence.
Immune factors can reciprocally modulate circadian clock phasing.

Conclusions:

Proper circadian regulation is essential for coordinated immune responses and anticipatory defense.
Circadian disruption leads to desynchronization, compromising immune function.
Disrupted circadian rhythms increase susceptibility to infections and diseases.