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Updated: May 18, 2026

The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression
Published on: July 24, 2018
Immunity's fourth dimension: approaching the circadian-immune connection
Alvaro Arjona1, Adam C Silver, Wendy E Walker
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
The body's internal clock (circadian system) regulates daily physiological rhythms. Disrupting this clock impacts immune function and disease, highlighting the importance of circadian-immune crosstalk for health.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The circadian system generates ~24-hour physiological rhythms synchronized by environmental cues.
- A central hypothalamic clock in mammals coordinates peripheral molecular clocks.
- Immune system parameters exhibit daily variations, and disrupted circadian homeostasis is linked to immune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the molecular connections between the circadian and immune systems.
- To examine the functional outputs and disease implications of circadian-immune interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on circadian rhythms and immunology.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying circadian-immune crosstalk.
Main Results:
- The circadian system and immune system are intricately linked at the molecular level.
- Disruption of circadian homeostasis negatively affects immune function and contributes to disease.
Conclusions:
- Understanding circadian-immune crosstalk is crucial for developing new health interventions.
- Targeting the mechanisms of circadian-immune interaction may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
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