Translation of psychoneuroimmunology into personalized medicine: a systems biology perspective

With its multidimensional features and systems biology approaches, developments in psychoneuroimmunology may provide the basis for the translation of scientific discoveries into personalized and systems medicine. To achieve this goal, several key issues need to be emphasized and resolved. These key issues include the identification of biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and treatment, the understanding of the systems interactions and networks, and the systemic profiling of patient subgroups. Recognition of systemic biomarkers may provide insight into the complex multidirectional interactions among psychological and behavioral factors, the nervous system and the immune system. Systems biology studies of complex mechanisms such as inflammation at various levels may enable the discovery of common targets for different diseases from depression to cancer. Such elucidation would enable the classification of patient patterns and subgroups for personalized interventions. Understanding of these key issues would contribute to the establishment of systems models and the development of integrative prevention and treatment strategies in multiple dimensions.