Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Teasing Out the Interplay Between Natural Killer Cells and Nociceptor Neurons
Published on: June 30, 2022
Divergent roles of immune cells and their mediators in pain
Ramin Raoof1, Hanneke L D M Willemen2, Niels Eijkelkamp1,2
1Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Chronic pain is a major debilitating condition that is difficult to treat. Although chronic pain may appear to be a disorder of the nervous system, crucial roles for immune cells and their mediators have been identified as important contributors in various types of pain. This review focuses on how the immune system regulates pain and discusses the emerging roles of immune cells in the initiation or maintenance of chronic pain. We highlight which immune cells infiltrate damaged nerves, the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and tissues around free nerve endings and discuss through which mechanisms they control pain. Finally we discuss emerging roles of the immune system in resolving pain and how the immune system contributes to the transition from acute to chronic pain. We propose that targeting some of these immune processes may provide novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of chronic pain.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Analgesia and Pain Management
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,...
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Inflammation

