Figure 1.
The neuroendocrine-immune system. Via a complex system of common messenger molecules and receptors, the neuroendocrine and the immune systems bidirectionally communicate and monitor each other's activities. Integration of these signals is essential to maintain homeostasis and health and may result in immunosuppression or immunostimulation. Discrepancies at any level can lead to changes in susceptibility to and severity of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.