Neuro-hormonal and Neuroimmune Signaling Pathways

Neuro-hormonal and neuroimmune signaling pathways represent the complex, bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine system, and the immune system (PubMed: 25455061). This integrated system, often referred to as the neuroendocrine-immune axis, utilizes a diverse array of signaling molecules including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and cytokines to maintain physiological homeostasis and respond to environmental stressors (StatPearls: NBK541079). In a healthy state, these pathways coordinate the body's response to injury or infection; however, chronic dysregulation is a hallmark of various pathologies. For instance, persistent neuroinflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, autoimmune disorders, and psychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder (NIH: PMC4363299). Because these pathways involve numerous receptors and ligands rather than a single molecular entity, they are classified as a biological system rather than a specific therapeutic target. Pharmacological intervention typically involves modulating specific nodes within these pathways, such as using glucocorticoids to suppress immune overactivity or biologics to neutralize specific pro-inflammatory cytokines (Nature Reviews Immunology: 10.1038/nri.2016.129).

Other names

Neuroendocrine-immune axisNeuro-immune-endocrine systemNeuroimmune signalingNeuroendocrine signalingHPA-Immune axis

Modulation of the bidirectional communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems via the regulation of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones (e.g., cortisol), and cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha).