Immunity in neuromodulation: probing neural and immune pathways in brain disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Neuromodulation
• Brain Function

Background:

• Immunity plays a critical role in regulating brain function.
• Immune system involvement is evident in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), psychiatric disorders (e.g., MDD, schizophrenia), and NDDs.
• Neuromodulation is a key therapeutic strategy, but its impact on immune-brain interactions remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the immune impact of neuromodulation on neuronal function.
• To elucidate the beneficial or harmful consequences of neuromodulation on immune-brain interactions.
• To provide insights into optimizing immune-brain interactions for therapeutic benefit.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of clinical and preclinical studies.
• Identification of specific immune modifications associated with neuromodulation.
• Analysis of existing data on neuromodulation and neuroinflammation.

Main Results:

• Specific immune modifications induced by neuromodulation were identified.
• Evidence suggests neuromodulation can optimize immune-brain interactions.
• The precise mechanisms of neuromodulation's immune effects are being elucidated.

Conclusions:

• Neuromodulation influences immune responses within the brain.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
• This review provides a foundation for future research into neuromodulation-based immunotherapies.