Neuropeptides of human thymus in normal and pathological conditions

Mignini, Fiorenzo; Sabbatini, Maurizio; D’Andrea, Vito; Cavallotti, Carlo

doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2011.01.022

Cited by 11 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…In the human thymus, neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and neurotensin (NT) have been described. These neuropeptides have been observed to be present in cells and nerve fibers, indicating a complex scenario in which neuropeptides seem to function as a secretory system and a modulator system of neurotransmission (11,90) (Fig. 1B).…”

Section: Regulatory Peptidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regulatory peptides have been shown to be involved in the regulation of immune processes in several animal and human studies, and a role for neuropeptides in T-cell development has been investigated (9,(88)(89)(90). In the human thymus, neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and neurotensin (NT) have been described.…”

Section: Regulatory Peptidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)

Mignini

Sabbatini

Mattioli

et al. 2014

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

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The thymus is the primary site for T-cell lympho-poiesis. Its function includes the maturation and selection of antigen specific T cells and selective release of these cells to the periphery. These highly complex processes require precise parenchymal organization and compartmentation where a plethora of signalling pathways occur, performing strict control on the maturation and selection processes of T lymphocytes. In this review, the main morphological characteristics of the thymus microenvironment, with particular emphasis on nerve fibers and neuropeptides were assessed, as both are responsible for neuro-immune‑modulation functions. Among several neurotransmitters that affect thymus function, we highlight the dopaminergic system as only recently has its importance on thymus function and lymphocyte physiology come to light.

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Section: Regulatory Peptidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Regulatory Peptidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)

Mignini

Sabbatini

Mattioli

et al. 2014

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

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show abstract

“…In the thymus, autoreactive T lymphocytes undergo negative selection and elimination [4], and a subset of Treg is generated [47]. Several neuropeptides are present in the thymus, released by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, thymic epithelial cells, macrophages, DCs, and lymphocytes themselves [6,12,54]. In different animal species and in cell culture systems, some of these neuropeptides, such as SRIH and SP, respectively, have pro-apoptotic or mitogenic effects on thymocytes [6,55], which makes them potentially involved in causing the survival of self-tolerant and the death of autoreactive T cells.…”

Section: Regulation Of Immunity By the Desmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diffuse Endocrine System, Neuroendocrine Tumors and Immunity: What’s New?

Ameri

Ferone²

2012

Neuroendocrinology

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During the last two decades, research into the modulation of immunity by the neuroendocrine system has flourished, unravelling significant effects of several neuropeptides, including somatostatin (SRIH), and especially cortistatin (CST), on immune cells. Scientists have learnt that the diffuse neuroendocrine system can regulate the immune system at all its levels: innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and maintenance of immune tolerance. Compelling studies with animal models have demonstrated that some neuropeptides may be effective in treating inflammatory disorders, such as sepsis, and T helper 1-driven autoimmune diseases, like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, the latest findings concerning the neuroendocrine control of the immune system are discussed, with emphasis on SRIH and CST. The second part of the review deals with the immune response to neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The anti-NET immune response has been described in the last years and it is still being characterized, similarly to what is happening for several other types of cancer. In parallel with investigations addressing the mechanisms by which the immune system contrasts NET growth and spreading, ground-breaking clinical trials of dendritic cell vaccination as immunotherapy for metastatic NETs have shown in principle that the immune reaction to NETs can be exploited for treatment.

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“…In the human thymus, immunohistochemical analysis has revealed immunoreactivity for CGRP [42] , VIP [20,42,43] , substance P [43,44] , NPY [43,45] and somatostatin [46,47] . Similar to the murine thymus, there is evidence to suggest differential expression of neuropeptides and their receptors on various cell types.…”

Section: Expression Of Neuropeptides In Mammalian and Non-mammalian Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence of Conserved Neuroendocrine Interactions in the Thymus: Intrathymic Expression of Neuropeptides in Mammalian and Non-Mammalian Vertebrates

Silva

Palmer

2011

Neuroimmunomodulation

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The function of lymphoid organs and immune cells is often modulated by hormones, steroids and neuropeptides produced by the neuroendocrine and immune systems. The thymus intrinsically produces these factors and a comparative analysis of the expression of neuropeptides in the thymus of different species would highlight the evolutionary importance of neuroendocrine interaction in T cell development. In this review, we highlight the evidence which describes the intrathymic expression and function of various neuropeptides and their receptors, in particular somatostatin, substance P, vasointestinal polypeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide and neuropeptide Y, in mammals (human, rodent) and non-mammals (avian, amphibian and teleost), and conclude that neuropeptides play a conserved role in vertebrate thymocyte development.

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Neuropeptides of human thymus in normal and pathological conditions

Cited by 11 publications

References 31 publications

Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)

Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)

Diffuse Endocrine System, Neuroendocrine Tumors and Immunity: What’s New?

Evidence of Conserved Neuroendocrine Interactions in the Thymus: Intrathymic Expression of Neuropeptides in Mammalian and Non-Mammalian Vertebrates

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