Immune-neuron crosstalk regulates intestinal homeostasis

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

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Abstract

Given that the gut functions as a major endocrine organ, the efficient translation from environmental cues to neuroendocrine responses is essential for body physiology. By harboring large quantities of microbiota and immune cells, the intestinal tissue is filled with a variety of immune regulators. Coordination between the immune system and the neuroendocrine system is essential for environmental sensation and host defense. Our work seeks to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune-neural regulation for intestinal mucosal homeostasis. Further, the intestinal neuroendocrine responses are known to impact not only local but also systemic physiology. Our data establish that intestinal immune-mediated neuroendocrine responses orchestrate systemic physiology and inflammation.