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Immune Actions on the Peripheral Nervous System in Pain
Jessica Aijia Liu1, Jing Yu1, Chi Wai Cheung1
1Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 102, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 4, 2021
Summary
The immune system and peripheral nervous system (PNS) interact to cause pain sensitization. Understanding these interactions, particularly the roles of immune cells, is key to developing new pain therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pain Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Pain arises from tissue damage, disease, or infection.
- Interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system are central to pain sensitization.
- Nociceptors release mediators that activate immune cells, while immune cells promote chronic pain via signaling molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct roles of four major immune cell types in the PNS during pain.
- To enhance understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms in pain pathogenesis.
- To provide insights for novel therapeutic strategies for pain management.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current literature on immune cell involvement in pain.
- Analysis of molecular mediators released by nociceptors and immune cells.
- Examination of immune cell contributions to both pain sensitization and resolution.
Main Results:
- Immune cells are crucial in both initiating and resolving pain.
- Specific immune cell types (monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, T cells) have distinct roles in the PNS during pain.
- Immune cell-derived factors influence nociceptor sensitization and the transition to chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Immune cells are key players in the PNS throughout the pain process, from initiation to resolution.
- Understanding the complex interplay between immune cells and the PNS is vital for pain research.
- Targeting immune cell functions offers promising avenues for developing new pain therapeutics.
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