Relationship between CNS and Immunology: Correlation with Psychology

Curr Drug Metab. 2018;19(10):847-855. doi: 10.2174/1389200219666180129142534.

Abstract

Background: Higher animals, especially the human beings have the privilege of employing advanced central nervous system (CNS) as well as the evolved immune system to ward off various onslaughts throughout their life. Alterations in inflammatory and neural regulatory pathways lead to several disorders that are now becoming the cause of concern across the world. Deregulation in bidirectional network, particularly in aging population, leads to several neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia as a one of the major characteristics.

Objective: Interestingly, research updates have signified the role of abrupt immune regulation in several brain diseases, establishing a link between altered immune system and CNS related diseases. In the later period of life, the altered immune response in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders, has become more visible. In the present manuscript, we present a synopsis on the linkage of CNS and immune system with respect to psychology, with the aim to further understand the biological machinery of psychoneuroimmunological disorders. The immune system of human being plays an important role in keeping pathogen onslaughts on bay.

Conclusion: Our manuscript concludes a close relationship between emotion and psychology to diseases and immunology, proclaiming the need of providing enhanced attention on mechanistic aspect of psychoneuroimmunological disorders.

Keywords: CNS; Cognition; immune system; neuropsychological disorders; psychology; psychoneuroimmunology..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior
  • Central Nervous System
  • Cognition
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Mental Disorders / immunology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / immunology*