Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the brain’s effect on the immune system. Neuroimmunology is a new and ever-growing field because there is continual evidence on the bidirectional connections between the nervous and immune systems. This knowledge can help us better understand infections, autoimmunity, and neurodegeneration. The brain has an evolutionary advantage for regulating the immune system. It has properties that allow it to integrate and synchronize many inputs and physiological systems, to predict future insults based on past memories, and to quickly alter the immune system when necessary. This makes the immune system more robust in its job of recognizing and eliminating pathogens. The brain accomplishes this feat through multiple pathways: endocrine, sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory, and meningeal lymphatic. Check out the video for more in depth information on the brain’s amazing ability to control immunity and why it is important!
Schiller M, Ben-Shaanan TL, Rolls A. Neuronal regulation of immunity: why, how and where? Nat Rev Immunol. 2021 Jan;21(1):20-36.
