title: Immunity's fourth dimension: approaching the circadian-immune connection.
abstract: The circadian system ensures the generation and maintenance of self-sustained ~24-h rhythms in physiology that are linked to internal and environmental changes. In mammals, daily variations in light intensity and other cues are integrated by a hypothalamic master clock that conveys circadian information to peripheral molecular clocks that orchestrate physiology. Multiple immune parameters also vary throughout the day and disruption of circadian homeostasis is associated with immune-related disease. Here, we discuss the molecular links between the circadian and immune systems and examine their outputs and disease implications. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie circadian-immune crosstalk may prove valuable for devising novel prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arjona
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.forename: Wendy E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Erol
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fikrig
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D018448:Models, Immunological