Modulation of neuroimmune axis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

Complex bidirectional communications exist between the nervous and the immune systems. The present review focuses on the potential new therapeutic approaches that target the neuroimmune communications for the treatment of digestive diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), enteric neuropathies or even food allergy. The role of inflammatory/immune mediators, microflora and neuromediators is evoked in the context of gastrointestinal pathologies.

Section editor:Gareth J. Sanger – Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK