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One messenger shared by two systems: How cytokines directly modulate neurons.
Liu Yang1, Jun R Huh2, Gloria B Choi1
1The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|March 22, 2023
Summary
Cytokines, immune proteins, also act as neuromodulators in the central nervous system (CNS). They regulate neural networks and behaviors, orchestrating brain responses to immunological changes via neuro-immune communication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytokines are secreted proteins primarily known for immune system functions.
- Emerging evidence highlights their role as neuromodulators in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Cytokines influence neural networks and maintain homeostasis within the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on cytokine functions in the CNS.
- To explore how cytokines modulate neural networks and behavior.
- To discuss the concept of combinatorial cytokine codes in neuro-immune communication.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on cytokines in the CNS.
- Analysis of studies investigating cytokine access to the CNS.
- Synthesis of data on cytokine-mediated regulation of neural networks and behavior.
Main Results:
- Cytokines can enter the CNS through various pathways to directly affect neurons.
- They play a crucial role in maintaining neural network homeostasis.
- Cytokines regulate a wide range of behaviors under both normal and inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are critical neuromodulators in the CNS, impacting neural function and behavior.
- Combinatorial cytokine signaling is proposed as a mechanism for mediating neuro-immune communication.
- Understanding these interactions is key to orchestrating brain responses to immunological challenges.
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