Neuro-immune interactions in cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

The interplay between the nervous and immune systems has attracted growing scientific attention due to its implications for tumor progression, immune regulation, and potential therapeutic strategies. Although their primary concentration is on inflammation and homeostasis, this basic information emphasizes the crucial role that neuro-immune interaction plays in disease states, including cancer. Neuro-immune interactions are complex and multifaceted, playing significant effects on the pathophysiology of cancer. These interactions involve both peripheral and central neural pathways, modulating immune cell activity within the tumor microenvironment, and offering promising avenues for innovative therapeutic interventions. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and translational applications of the neuro-immune axis in cancer. We explore the intricate roles of neurotransmitters, cytokines, and neurotrophic factors in mediating this crosstalk, examining how the peripheral, central, and enteric nervous systems regulate tumor immunity. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies that target neural inputs, combine neuroimmune modulation with immunotherapy, and consider the impact of epigenetic regulation on the neuroimmune microenvironment. By synthesizing recent advances, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this intricate field, identify current challenges, and delineate future research directions to harness neuro-immune modulation for offering promising avenues for innovative therapeutic interventions.