NERVOUS SYSTEM PUTS THE BRAKES ON INFLAMMATION

Summary: A new study reveals ILC2 cells in the nervous system can halt immune response to infections that cause inflammation.

Source: Weill Cornell University.

Cells in the nervous system can “put the brakes” on the immune response to infections in the gut and lungs to prevent excessive inflammation, according to research by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists. This insight may one day lead to new ways to treat diseases caused by unchecked inflammation, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Read More: http://neurosciencenews.com/nervous-system-inflammation-8590/

ABSTRACT:

β2-adrenergic receptor–mediated negative regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are involved in responses to helminths, viruses, and allergens. Moriyama et al. found that ILC2s interact with the nervous system to modulate helminth immunity. ILC2s from the small intestine expressed the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), which normally interacts with the neurotransmitter epinephrine. Inactivating β2AR resulted in lower helminth burden and more ILC2s, eosinophils, and type 2 cytokine production in mice. Conversely, treatment of helminth-infected mice with a β2AR agonist enhanced worm burden and reduced proliferation of ILC2s. Thus, β2AR negatively regulates ILC2-driven protective immunity.

Source: Bert Gambini – Weill Cornell University Publisher: Organized by NeuroscienceNews.com. Image Source: NeuroscienceNews.com images are credited to Dr Saya Moriyama. Original Research: Abstract in Science. doi:10.1126/science.aan4829