Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Aug 12.
Published in final edited form as: Neuron. 2009 Oct 15;64(1):28–32. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.09.039

Figure 2. Experimental Model for Studying Neuroimmune Plasticity.

Figure 2

Transmission of neural signals to immune cells in lymphoid organs is a dynamic process involving remodeling of nerve fibers. Cells of the immune system are likely exposed to constant fluctuation in neurotransmitter concentration in their microenvironment as a result of second-to-second changes in nerve firing rate. Studying the effects of nerve firing frequency on immune cell function using electrophysiology together with assessment of immune function could reveal habituation and sensitization phenomena underlying nerve-to-immune cell interactions. The figure depicts a hypothetical two-cell culture system showing different activity states of a neuroimmune synapse. The number and frequency of synapses and the magnitude of the immune response would vary depending on whether the system is at rest, habituated, or under sensitization.