What is the Origin of Neuro-Endo-Immune Network?

This term is a conceptual synthesis from psychoneuroimmunology, a field that formalized the cross-talk between these three major regulatory systems. The recognition that the brain (Neuro), hormones (Endo), and immune cells (Immune) do not function in isolation but as a single, integrated network revolutionized the understanding of systemic health and disease. It moves beyond isolated organ pathology to a systems-level view of biological regulation.

What is the Mechanism of Neuro-Endo-Immune Network?

The mechanism involves shared signaling molecules and receptor systems. For example, the nervous system releases neurotransmitters that modulate immune cell activity; the endocrine system, via the HPA axis, releases glucocorticoids that suppress immune responses; and immune cells release cytokines that can influence both hypothalamic and pituitary hormone secretion. This complex interplay allows for a coordinated, systemic adaptation to challenges, with hormones often acting as the long-range messengers of this intricate communication.

Neuro-Endo-Immune Network

Meaning

The Neuro-Endo-Immune Network represents the highly integrated, bidirectional communication system linking the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis and allostasis. These three systems constantly exchange molecular signals, including neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines, to coordinate the body’s response to internal and external stressors. Dysregulation within this network is implicated in the pathogenesis of stress-related disorders, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue syndromes.