The neuro-immunological interface in an evolutionary perspective: the dynamic relationship between effector and recognition systems

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
Enzo OttavianiClaudio Franceschi

Abstract

The evolutionary perspective indicates that an immune-neuroendocrine effector system integrating innate immunity, stress and inflammation is present in invertebrates. This defense network, centered on the macrophage and exerting primitive and highly promiscuous recognition units, is very effective, ancestral and appears to have been conserved throughout evolution from invertebrates to higher vertebrates. It would seem that there was a "big bang" in the recognition system of lower vertebrates, and T and B cell repertoires, MHC and antibodies suddenly appeared. We argue that this phenomenon is the counterpart of the increasing complexity of the internal circuitry and recognition units in the effector system. The immediate consequences were a progressive enlargement of the pathogen repertoire and new problems regarding self/not-self discrimination. Probably not by chance, a new organ appeared, capable of purging cells able of excessive self recognition. This organ, the thymus, appears to be the result of a well known evolutionary strategy of re-using pre-existing material (neuroendocrine cells and mediators constituting the thymic microenvironment). This bricolage at an organ level is similar to the effect we have already describe...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 27, 2000·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·C FranceschiG De Benedictis
Mar 23, 2004·Annual Review of Immunology·Hilde Cheroutre
Jan 10, 2018·Frontiers in Immunology·Amrendra KumarSebastian Joyce
Apr 15, 2005·Molecular Immunology·P EngelmannP Németh
Sep 22, 2021·Immunological Reviews·Caroline KaiserAndrew S Koh

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