Neuroendocrine-immune interaction: Evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that maintain allostasis in an ever-changing...

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Immunology
• Physiology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• The immune and neuroendocrine systems are recognized as integrated physiological components.
• These systems interact with processes like growth, reproduction, metabolism, and neuronal development.
• Communication extends to psychological and environmental stressors, influencing immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principal mechanisms of bidirectional neuroendocrine-immune communication.
• To explore the evolutionary history of these communication pathways.
• To identify shared molecular pathways and receptors between the neuroendocrine and immune systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on neuroendocrine-immune interactions.
• Analysis of evolutionary conservation of communication mechanisms.
• Examination of shared molecular pathways and receptor usage.

Main Results:

• Evidence of a conserved "common vocabulary" of information pathways, molecules, and receptors.
• Identification of evolutionarily ancient and recently acquired communication mechanisms.
• Demonstration of bidirectional communication influencing adaptive responses like fever and sickness behavior.

Conclusions:

• Neuroendocrine-immune communication is a fundamental, evolutionarily conserved physiological process.
• Understanding this interaction is crucial for comprehending adaptation to pathogens and stressors.
• Shared molecular mechanisms highlight the deep integration of these systems throughout evolution.