title: Mast cell-derived exosomes at the stimulated acupoints activating the neuro-immune regulation.
abstract: Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that take part in intercellular signaling. Research has shown that acupuncture is closely related to affecting the functions of the mast cells in the local region of the acupoint, and stimulating the afferent nerve. Mast cells have a connection with the conduction within the meridians, and play an important role in immuno-regulation. The 'synapse-like' connection between the mast cells and nerve endings is the basis for the exchange of information between these two tissues. Exosome mediates mast exchange of information between mast cells and the nerves, starting the process of neuro-immuno regulation. Therefore, we propose that mast cell-derived exosomes mediate the neuro-immuno regulation at the local site of acupuncture, and this is one of the key factors resulting in the effectiveness of acupuncture.
authors.affiliation: Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Practice Teaching, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China. limingyue7@163.com.
authors.forename: Ming-Yue
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
authors.forename: Xue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
authors.forename: Hui-Min Calista
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D055354:Exosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
keywords: acupuncture; mast cell-derived exosomes; neuro-immuno regulation