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The nervous system and innate immunity: the neuropeptide connection

Brogden KA, Guthmiller JM, Salzet M +1 more2005Nature ImmunologyReview
10.1038/ni1209PubMedFree full text
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

Many neuropeptides and peptide hormones are very similar to antimicrobial peptides in their amino acid composition, amphipathic design, cationic charge and size. Their antimicrobial activities suggest they may also be directly involved in innate defense. Here we discuss recent advances in understanding how the mammalian nervous system, equipped with neuropeptides and peptide hormones with potent antimicrobial properties, might directly defend the host from microbial assault. As examples, we have chosen five well described, locally produced neuropeptides that may serve a previously unrecognized, direct antimicrobial, innate immune function in four anatomical sites.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)Immunoglobulin E (IgE)LeptinMatrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)

Symptom Clusters

Appetite: appetite swingsConstitutional: fatigue, night sweats, excessive thirst, frequent urinationMusculoskeletal: muscle aches, joint pain, ice pick painNeurological: memory loss, difficulty with concentration, confusion, word finding difficulty, light sensitivityNeuropsychological: mood swings, difficulty assimilating new knowledgeRespiratory: cough, shortness of breath, sinus congestionSomatosensory: tingling in extremities

Cited By (5)

  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • Modulatory effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide on intestinal mucosal immunity and microbial community of weaned piglets challenged by an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (K88)PLoS ONE · 2014
  • Anti-inflammatory neuropeptides: A new class of endogenous immunoregulatory agentsBrain Behavior and Immunity · 2008
  • Antimicrobial neuropeptides and their therapeutic potential in vertebrate brain infectious diseaseFrontiers in Immunology · 2024
  • A Function of Amyloid-β in Mediating Activity-Dependent Axon/Synapse Competition May Unify Its Roles in Brain Physiology and PathologyJournal of Alzheimer s Disease · 2023

References (7)

  • New Insights into the Functions of α‐MSH and Related Peptides in the Immune SystemAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2003

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