Control of immune cell trafficking through inter-organ communication

Cell migration is a cardinal feature of the immune system. Immune cell trafficking is orchestrated principally by chemokines and adhesion molecules, which guide the cells to the right place and at the right time to efficiently induce immune responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that signals from other organ systems influence the expression of and responsiveness to these guidance cues and consequentially immune cell migration. Neuronal inputs control entry and exit of immune cells to and from lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. The circadian clock helps establish diurnal variations in immune cell distribution among tissues. Nutritional status also alters immune cell homing to the bone marrow. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about inter-organ control of immune cell trafficking and discuss the physiological and pathological significance of these mechanisms.