How does the immune system regulate metabolic processes in the body?4 answersThe immune system plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes in the body through a reciprocal relationship. Immune signals can influence metabolism, and conversely, metabolism can impact immune responses. Immune cells infiltrating adipose tissue affect metabolic functions, including mitochondrial activities and fatty acid oxidation, which are linked to metabolic diseases. Metabolic programming can selectively modulate immune cell functions, allowing for the separation of effector and regulatory roles based on metabolic demands. Studying immunometabolism at a systems level has highlighted the intricate interplay between immune responses and metabolism, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies like spatially resolved metabolic imaging for comprehensive understanding. This dynamic interaction between immunity and metabolism underscores the complexity of physiological regulation in the body.
What is the role of inter Luken in immune response?5 answersInterferons (IFNs) are immunomodulatory substances produced by the immune system in response to pathogens, particularly during viral and bacterial infections. They activate genes involved in signal transduction pathways to help fight infections. IFNs play a role in the immune response to viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), influenza, hepatitis C virus (HCV), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and SARS-CoV coronavirus. Type I IFNs are potent inducers of the first-line defense against pathogens and are tightly regulated to avoid detrimental effects. Dysregulation of the IFN pathway can lead to interferonopathies and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). The genes for type I IFN are rapidly induced in response to viral infection through the activation of latent cellular transcription factors, including interferon regulatory factor (IRF) proteins. Laser immunotherapy (LIT) is a cancer treatment that combines laser irradiation and immunological stimulation. LIT has shown success in treating late-stage breast cancer and melanoma, and factors such as irradiation duration and the proliferation of regulatory T cells can affect the immune response.
Is the vagus nerve involved in regulating the immune system?5 answersThe vagus nerve is involved in regulating the immune system. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and inflammation. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been found to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in multiple inflammatory disorders. VNS also promotes the resolution of inflammation by regulating the balance of specialized pro-resolving mediator levels and neutrophil activity. In mice, vagal activation down-regulates inflammation via inhibition of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in monocyte/macrophages. Vagal activity is associated with increased activity of IRF transcription factors involved in Type I interferon response, which could augment host defense against viral infections. VNS exerts its effect by stimulating vagal afferent and efferent fibers, which influence the autonomic, neuroendocrine, and neuroimmunology systems. The vagus nerve is proposed to be activated directly by signals from the gut and indirectly by signals from the liver, regulating peripheral immune cells to maintain gut homeostasis.
What is nitric oxide enzymes in immune?4 answersNitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive gas that plays multiple roles in immune responses. It is produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in response to microbial and cytokine stimulation. iNOS is important for host defense against pathogens and immune regulation. NO is synthesized by various cell types involved in immunity and inflammation, primarily by the inducible type-2 isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2). NO acts as a toxic defense molecule against infectious organisms and regulates the activity, growth, and death of immune and inflammatory cells. Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are a family of genes that are highly conserved across eukaryotes. The three family members found in mammals, including iNOS, have important roles in inter- and intra-cellular signaling in various tissues, including the immune system. NOS, including iNOS, generate reactive nitrogen oxide species that modify enzymes, signaling proteins, and transcription factors, influencing immune responses and inflammatory diseases. iNOS/NO also plays a role in innate immunity, controlling the function of natural killer cells and the expression of cytokines during early infection with intracellular pathogens.
What are the roles of innate lymphoid cells in the nervous system?5 answersInnate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been increasingly recognized within the central nervous system (CNS) and associated diseases. ILCs are generally regarded as tissue resident and early responders, but their presence in the CNS at steady-state is limited. ILCs are deeply integrated into the fabric of tissues and contribute to multiple immune pathways, including sustaining appropriate immune responses, regulating tissue inflammation, and interacting with the nervous system. There is considerable heterogeneity in the mature family of ILCs, and they have been implicated in inflammatory disorders. In the CNS, ILCs, particularly natural killer cells, play a significant role in responses to infective, sterile, or tumoral cellular stress scenarios. The roles of ILCs in the nervous system are still being explored, but their involvement in major neurological diseases like ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis has been observed.
What are the mechanisms by which calcineurin modulates the immune system?4 answersCalcineurin is a protein phosphatase that plays a role in modulating the immune system. It is involved in linking calcium signaling to transcriptional responses in the immune system. Calcineurin regulates the activation of T cells and the expression of genes triggered in an immune response. It acts as a negative regulator of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway in macrophages, limiting the responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as FK506 and cyclosporin A, activate the TLR pathway and induce innate and inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that calcineurin modulates the immune system by regulating T cell activation, gene expression, and the TLR pathway in macrophages.