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Anti-Inflammatory Axis

Meaning

The Anti-Inflammatory Axis describes the intricate physiological feedback loop primarily involving the HPA axis and the immune system, designed to resolve inflammatory episodes and return the organism to homeostasis. Clinically, this axis is defined by the production and action of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which exert potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects upon binding to intracellular receptors on immune cells. Effective function of this axis is paramount for preventing acute inflammatory events from transitioning into chronic, damaging systemic inflammation. Its proper calibration ensures that immune responses are proportional to the inciting stimulus.