Neuroendocrine regulation of inflammation

• Sympathetic nerve fibers penetrate the parenchyma of lymphoid organs.
• Antigen exposure leads to norepinephrine release from nerve terminals.
• Norepinephrine binds to adrenergic receptors expressed on immune cells.
• Adrenergic receptor signaling in immune cells modulates cell activity and function.

The interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system has been documented over the last several decades. In this review, the neuroanatomical, cellular, and molecular evidence for neuroimmune regulation in the maintenance of immune homeostasis will be discussed, as well as the potential impact of neuroimmune dysregulation in health and disease.