Neuroendocrine-immune crosstalk (NEIC) is a process whereby the nervous system and the immune system communicate with each other to coordinate their activities. This communication is essential for maintaining homeostasis, and for mounting an appropriate response to stressors or pathogens. NEIC occurs via multiple mechanisms, including the release of neuropeptides by neurons, which can then bind to receptors on immune cells, and the production of cytokines by immune cells, which can then act on the brain to modulate behavior.
Recent evidence suggests that NEIC plays a role in a variety of diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and psychiatric disorders. For example, alterations in NEIC have been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, as well as in the development of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Understanding NEIC may therefore provide insights into novel therapeutic targets for these diseases.