Advances in neuroimmunology最新文献

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease in which focal inflammatory responses called granulomas develop in the liver and intestines. The inflammatory cells within these granulomas produce authentic vasoactive intestine peptide (VIP). VIP acts as an immune modulator. In the schistosome granuloma, VIP can suppress T cell proliferation and T lymphocyte IL-2 production. Also, it can enhance IL-5 production from granuloma T cells. The granuloma T cells bear authentic VIP receptors of both the VIPr1 and VIPr2 subclasses. It is probable that the expression of these receptors is subject to immunoregulation, which is the topic of current investigation. Moreover, differences in the structure of VIPr1 and VIPr2 suggest that each may have unique immunoregulatory functions in inflammation.

The hyt/hyt mouse has an autosomal recessive, fetal onset, characterized by severe hypothyroidism that persists throughout life and is a reliable model of human sporadic congenital hypothyroidism. The hypothyroidism in the hyt/hyt mouse reflects the hyporesponsiveness of the thyroid gland to thyrotropin (TSH). This is attributable to a point mutation of C to T at nucleotide position 1666, resulting in the replacement of a Pro with Leu at position 556 in transmembrane domain IV of the G protein-linked TSH receptor. This mutation leads to a reduction in all CAMP-regulated events, including thyroid hormone synthesis. The diminution in T₃/T₄ in serum and other organs, including the brain, also leads to alterations in the level and timing of expression of critical brain molecules, i.e. selected tubulin isoforms (Mβ5, Mβ2, and Mα1), microtubule associated proteins (MAPS), and myelin basic protein, as well as to changes in important neuronal cytoskeletal events, i.e. microtubule assembly and SCa and SCb axonal transport. In the hyt/hyt mouse, fetal hypothyroidism leads to reductions in Mβ5, Mβ2, and Mα1 mRNAs, important tubulin isoforms, and Mβ5 and Mβ2 proteins, which comprise the microtubules. These molecules are localized to layer V pyramidal neurons in the sensorimotor cortex, a site of differentiating neurons, as well as a site for localization of specific thyroid hormone receptors. These molecular abnormalities in specific cells and at specific times of development or maturation may contribute to the observed neuroanatomical abnormalities, i.e. altered neuronal process growth and maintenance, synaptogenesis, and myelination, in hypothyroid brain. Abnormal neuroanatomical development in selected brain regions may be the factor underlying the abnormalities in reflexive, locomotor, and adaptive behavior seen in the hyt/hyt mouse and other hypothyroid animals.

Cytokines play a crucial role in autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) through various mechanisms. They are produced in the thyroid by intrathyroidal inflammatory cells, in particular lymphocytes, as well as by the thyroid follicular cells (TFC) themselves and may thus act in a cascade to enhance the autoimmune process (Fig.l). Cytokines upregulate the inflammatory reaction through stimulation of both T and B cells, resulting in antibody production and tissue injury. In addition, intrathyroidal cytokines induce immunological changes in TFC including enhancement of both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecule expression, and upregulation of adhesion and complement regulatory molecule expression. Cytokines can also modulate both growth and function of TFC and have a role in extrathyroidal complications of ATD, most importantly thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), where they induce fibroblast proliferation and enhance the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), resulting in proptosis and the other clinical features of the disease. In addition to these effects, exogenous administration of cytokines has been associated with impairment of thyroid function ranging from the appearance of autoantibodies

Neuropeptides have recently been shown to modulate the immune response. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) released from nerve endings and from immune cells modulates the mobility and adherence of lymphocytes and macrophages, phagocytic cell functions (phagocytosis and free radical production), the lymphocyte proliferative response, lymphokine and immunoglobulin production and the natural killer cell activity, with opposite effects in vitro on these immune cell functions. The VIP receptor heterogeneity and the different action mechanisms of VIP-mediated immunoregulation could explain, at least in part, the different VIP effects observed on lymphoid and phagocytic cells. The evidence supports the theory that VIP acts not as an inhibitor, but as a modulator of immune functions, as previously thought, and that this neuropeptide may play a relevant role in vivo.

In this review, the role of the macrophage in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is examined. The central interaction of macrophage, endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell in the context of hyperlipidemia is considered. The macrophage appears to be at the beginning of a chain of events that starts with elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL). Stress, particularly in those with a core hostility, may be associated not only with higher catecholamine levels but also with higher serum lipid levels. These lipids will in turn be processed to oxidized LDL by macrophage and endothelial cells. Oxidized LDL molecules will contribute to atherosclerotic plaquing. A side effect of such plaque formation may be a diminished vasodilatory response to the nitric oxide (NO) produced by macrophages and endothelium. Indeed, paradoxical vasoconstriction occurs in atherosclerosis in response to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine, which under normal circumstances cause vasodilation. There also is evidence that both macrophages and endothelial cells can regulate NO production through a specific μ3 morphine receptor, an effect that can be blocked by naloxone. The clinical effectiveness of morphine and nitroglycerin in CAD patients may relate to these mechanisms. More research will be needed to elucidate the neuroimmunologic basis for atherosclerosis with prospects for better treatment and management in future.

The aim of this clinical review is to highlight recent advances in immunology, as well as new information from selected other areas, which have led to a better appreciation of the neuroimmunologic mechanisms involved in Multiple sclerosis (MS). New data on immunopathology, the cytokine network, and the role of oligodendrocytes, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells in this disease, have produced novel therapeutic approaches. New information on clinical course and neuroimaging disease features, as well as the role of genetic factors and infectious agents, have also improved our understanding of the immune basis for MS.

Opiate substances occur as natural compounds in various invertebrate and vertebrate neural tissues. Recently we have discovered a novel opiate alkaloid-selective and opioid peptide-insensitive receptor, designated μ₃, that provides further evidence of the existence of separate morphine processes. Interestingly morphine biosynthesis appears to be linked to the dopamine pathway. Based on studies documenting the presence of morphine after stress, e.g., trauma, it is noted that this signal substance emerges after a timely delay. From this we speculate that this molecule can serve a specific effect to downregulate physiological processes after stress. We conclude that tolerance represents a natural process that terminates its action. In this regard a morphine hypothesis may be essential to a complete picture of motive circuitry. A speculative view of the psychiatric implications in schizophrenia, depression, and autism are presented with this in mind.

The role of the thymus in the development of murine small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) has been a controversial topic for decades. This controversy has been further propagated by observations that differences in IEL repertoires vary according to the particular athymic animal model system used to study IELs. In an attempt to understand the bases for these differences, we have undertaken a series of experiments designed to explore the extent to which extraimmunologic events, in particular neuroendocrine factors, play a role in the development of extrathymic IELs. As discussed here, these studies indicate that hormones of the hypothalamuspituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis exert either positive or negative regulatory effects on intestinal IELs, depending upon the particular hormone. Although the mechanisms by which HPT hormones influence IEL development and immune regulation have yet to be fully delineated, it appears that thyroid-stimulating hormone is a key mediator in this process, and that this may occur via local autocrine/paracrine responses within the intestine itself. The implications of these findings in the context of immunity and disease at the level of the gastrointestinal tract are discussed.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) belongs to an ever growing family of neuropeptides with immunodulatory functions. VIP-containing nerve fibers are present in both primary and secondary lymphoid organs, frequently in close proximity to immune cells. In addition, several types of immune cells, includiong T lymphocytes may function as local VIP sources in the lymphoid microenvironment. VIP released from neuronal and/or non neuronal sources exerts immunomodulatory effects through direct binding to VIP receptors (VIP-Rs), which are expressed on most immune cells. The existence of lymphocytic VIP-Rs has been demonstrated initially through binding studies, and more recently, through molecular biology technology. Both VIP-R1 and VIP-R2, which express high affinity for VIP and related neuropeptides such as the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), are present on lymphocyte subsets, and recent reports suggest that whereas VIP-R1 is expressed constitutively, VIP-R2 expression is induced upon lymphocyte activation. Although VIP affects a variety of immune functions, its primary immunomodulatory function seems to be anti-inflammatory in nature. Whereas a rapid inflammatory response is essential for the ultimate elimination of foreign antigens, its intensity and duration have to be strictly controlled to avoid extensive tissue damage. In this respect, neuropeptides with anti-inflammatory functions such as VIP or the structurally related PACAP, timely released within the lymphoid organs, could play an important physiological role in the down-regulation of the immune response.

Cytokines, soluble products of immune cells, play major roles in lymphocyte development, activation, and differentiation. As most cytokines are functionally pleiotropic, redundant, and interdependent, local interactions within the cytokine—neuroendocrine network have significant impact on cytokine production and function. Therefore, the immunomodulatory activities of VIP could be mediated, at least partially, through effects on the production of cytokines. The purpose of this article is to review the existing information regarding the VIP modulation of cytokine expression in immune cells. Both VIP and PACAP downregulate the expression of IL-2 mRNA and protein in T cells activated through the T cell receptor, through reducing both the stability and the de novo transcriptional rate of the IL-2 message. Reduction in the amount of IL-2 generated by the activated CD4⁺ T cells impacts on both T cell proliferation and on further sequential cytokine production. This is indeed the case with IL-4, which is affected by VIP indirectly, through inhibition of IL-2. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of VIP and PACAP on IL-10 production proceeds through a direct transcriptional event. In contrast to IL-2 which functions solely as a proinflammatory cytokine, IL-4 and IL-10 act as pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines, depending on their involvement in s