神经免疫学基础研究的前沿与进展

Frontiers and Advances in Basic Research of Neuroimmunology

神经系统、内分泌系统和免疫系统相互作用构成复杂网络。神经免疫学(neuroimmunology)是从分子、细胞、组织器官以及机体整体水平研究神经-内分泌-免疫调节网络的交叉学科。神经-免疫互作(neuro-immune interactions)贯穿机体生命周期的全过程,其功能紊乱导致多种疾病的发生发展。近年来我国在以中枢神经系统调控为主的神经-内分泌-免疫-代谢交叉领域前沿已取得了许多重大突破。一方面,揭示神经调控外周系统功能的新机制,首次发现“脑-脾”轴,明确了情绪通过中枢神经调节免疫的新机制;阐明神经元分泌的神经营养因子在调节脾脏免疫功能中的机制;完成了传统中医针刺治疗抗炎的神经机制解析,阐明了足三里穴位刺激通过脊髓特定神经元调节免疫功能。另一方面,在外周脏器反向调控神经功能方面也取得突破,在“肠-脑”轴参与动物呕吐、光调控血糖代谢等方面取得突破。这些成果夯实了我国在神经-内分泌-免疫-代谢交叉研究领域的研究基础。本文聚焦国内科学家在神经免疫学基础研究的最新进展,从“神经-免疫互作的基本单元”、“系统生理的神经-内分泌-免疫调控”、“神经-免疫互作与疾病”、“类淋巴系统(glymphatic system)的生理与病理功能”和“神经-免疫互作研究的技术手段和方法学”五个方面总结重要成果和凝练关键科学问题。

The intricate interactions among the nervous system,endocrine system,and immune system constitute a sophisticated network.Neuroimmunology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that delves into the structure and function of the neuro-endocrine-immune regulatory network at the molecular,cellular,tissue,organ,and whole-body levels.Neuroimmune interactions persist throughout the entire lifespan,the dysregulation of which can lead to the onset and development of multiple diseases.In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been made in China in the frontier of the neuro-endocrine-immune-metabolism interdisciplinary field,with a primary focus on the regulation of the central nervous system.On one hand,novel mechanisms concerning the neural control of peripheral system functions have been revealed.The"brain-spleen"axis was identified for the first time,shedding light on how emotions modulate immunity via the central nervous system.Additionally,mechanisms through which neurotrophic factors secreted by neurons regulate the immune function of the spleen have been elucidated.Moreover,neurological mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture therapy in traditional Chinese medicine have been clarified,detailing how stimulation of the Zusanli acupoint regulates immune function through specific neural populations.On the other hand,breakthroughs have been achieved concerning how peripheral organs regulate neural function,including investigations into the role of the"gut-brain"axis in processes such as animal vomiting and light-controlled blood glucose metabolism.These accomplishments have strengthened China's research foundation,propelling further exploration in the neuro-endocrine-immune-metabolism interdisciplinary field.This article spotlights recent advances in basic research of neuroimmunology conducted by domestic scientists,summarizing significant achievements and key scientific issues in five aspects:"basic units of neuro-immune interactions","systemic physiological neuro-endocrine-immune regulation","neuro-immune interactions and diseases","physiological and pathological functions of glymphatic system",and"technical approaches and methodologies in neuro-immune interaction research".