title: Peripheral Nociceptors as Immune Sensors in the Development of Pain and Itch.
abstract: The peripheral nervous system and the immune system perform a series of similar functionalities such as recognizing, responding, and adapting to external or internal stimuli despite significant morphological differences. The peripheral nervous system actively communicates and coordinates with the immune system to function as a unified defense system. The peripheral nervous system is highly regulated by the immune system, especially under inflammatory conditions. On the other hand, the nervous system can modulate the immune system via neurotransmitters and chemokines released by the peripheral nerve endings, particularly from nociceptors. In both physiological and pathological conditions, peripheral nociceptive (including pruriceptive) neurons may express a variety of immune-related receptors, such as chemokine receptors and immunoglobulin (Fc) receptors that are usually found on immune cells. Certain ligands such as chemokines and immune complexes may induce abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability and even ectopic action potential discharges, therefore producing the sensation of pain and/or itch in immune-related diseases. The immune-sensing mechanisms of peripheral nociceptors may play an important role in the development of chronic pain and pruritus and may indicate novel therapeutic strategies for these pathological conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China. mcpumc@163.com.
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000502:physiology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D016207:Cytokines; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic
keywords: Immune sensor; Itch; Pain; Peripheral nociceptor