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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Analysis of Lymphocyte Extravasation Using an In Vitro Model of the Human Blood-brain Barrier
Published on: April 5, 2017
Gateway reflexes, neuronal circuits that regulate the autoreactive T cells in organs having blood barriers
Mona Uchida1, Reiji Yamamoto1, Shiina Matsuyama1
1Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0815, Hokkaido, Japan.
Abstract:
Gateway reflexes are neural circuits that maintain homeostasis of the immune system. They form gateways for autoreactive T cells to infiltrate the central nervous system in a noradrenaline-dependent manner despite the blood-brain barrier. This mechanism is critical not only for maintaining organ homeostasis but also for inflammatory disease development. Gateway reflexes can be regulated by environmental or artificial stimuli including electrical stimulation, suggesting that the infiltration of immune cells can be controlled by bioelectronic medicine. In this review, we describe the discovery of gateway reflexes and their future directions with special focus on bioelectronic medicine.
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