The skin is innervated by numerous sensory afferent neurons that respond to a diverse array of stimuli ranging from gentle touch to noxious pain. Various features of the immune system-pathogen recognition, secretion of soluble mediators-are shared with the nervous system. This has led to the recognition that neurons share some functions with innate immune cells and have the capacity to recognize pathogens and participate in innate immune responses. Neuroimmune interactions are bidirectional. Soluble mediators from immune cells activate neurons and soluble mediators from neurons can activate immune cells. In this review, we will focus on the interplay between neurons and innate immunity in the skin in the context of host defense and inflammation.
Copyright © 2020 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.