Immunomodulatory effects of cigarette smoke.
Cigarette smoke is a major health risk factor which significantly increases the incidence of diseases including lung cancer and respiratory infections. This increased susceptibility may result from cigarette smoke-induced impairment of the immune system. While the acute effects of cigarette smoke on the immune system are less clear, chronic exposure to cigarette smoke or nicotine causes T cell unresponsiveness. This apparent T cell anergy may account for or contribute to the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties of cigarette smoke/nicotine. Nicotine-induced immunosuppression may result from its direct effects on lymphocytes, indirectly through its effects on the neuroendocrine system, or both.
Sopori
M L
ML
Pathophysiology Division, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA. msopori@lrri.org
Kozak
W
W
D006801:Humans; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D009538:Nicotine / Q000276:immunology*; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000276:immunology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000276:immunology*
D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine