Melanin-concentrating hormone and immune function.
To date, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) has been generally considered as peptide acting almost exclusively in the central nervous system. In the present paper, we revise the experimental evidence, demonstrating that MCH and its receptors are expressed by cells of the immune system and directly influence the response of these cells in some circumstances. This therefore supports the idea that, as with other peptides, MCH could be considered as a modulator of the immune system. Moreover, we suggest that this could have important implications in several immune-mediated disorders and affirm that there is a clear need for further investigation.
Lakaye
Bernard
B
GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium. B.Lakaye@ulg.ac.be
Coumans
Bernard
B
Harray
Sophie
S
Grisar
Thierry
T
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008543:Melanins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D008543:Melanins; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; C092274:melanin-concentrating hormone receptor; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone