title: Role of α7 nicotinic receptor in the immune system and intracellular signaling pathways.
abstract: Acetylcholine has been well known as one of the most exemplary neurotransmitters. In humans, this versatile molecule and its synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase, have been found in various non-neural tissues such as the epithelium, endothelium, mesothelium muscle, blood cells and immune cells. The non-neuronal acetylcholine is accompanied by the expression of acetylcholinesterase and nicotinic/muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Increasing evidence of the non-neuronal acetylcholine system found throughout the last few years has indicated this neurotransmitter as one of the major cellular signaling molecules (associated e.g. with kinases and transcription factors activity). This system is responsible for maintenance and optimization of the cellular function, such as proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, intercellular contact and apoptosis. Additionally, it controls proper activity of immune cells and affects differentiation, antigen presentation or cytokine production (both pro- and anti-inflammatory). The present article reviews recent findings about the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the field of immune system and intracellular signaling pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Regenerative Medicine, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zdanowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Regenerative Medicine, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krzyżowska
authors.affiliation: Research and Development Division, Adamed Sp. z o.o., Czosnów, Poland.
authors.forename: Dominika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ujazdowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene and Physiology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Aneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lewicka
authors.affiliation: Department of Regenerative Medicine, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lewicki
keywords: immune system; intracellular signaling pathways; α7 nicotinic receptor