Neural control of immune cell trafficking

Cross-talk between the nervous system and the immune system is important in normal physiology and disease. This review discusses how neural signals regulate leukocyte migration around the body and within tissues and contributions by diverse neural signals to effective immune responses. Leukocyte trafficking between blood and tissues is an essential function of the immune system that facilitates humoral and cellular immune responses. Within tissues, leukocytes perform surveillance and effector functions via cell motility and migration toward sites of tissue damage, infection, or inflammation. Neurotransmitters that are produced by the nervous system influence leukocyte trafficking around the body and the interstitial migration of immune cells in tissues. Neural regulation of leukocyte dynamics is influenced by circadian rhythms and altered by stress and disease. This review examines current knowledge of neuro-immune interactions that regulate leukocyte migration and consequences for protective immunity against infections and cancer.