T cells at the interface of neuro-immune communication

The immune system protects the host from infection and works to heal damaged tissue after infection or injury. There is increasing evidence that the immune system and nervous system work in concert to achieve these goals. The sensory nervous system senses injury, infection, and inflammation which results in a direct pain signal. Direct activation of peripheral sensory nerves is sufficient to drive an inflammatory response in the skin1. Immune cells express receptors for numerous transmitters released from sensory and autonomic nerves, which allows the nervous system to communicate directly with the immune system. This communication is bidirectional as immune cells can also produce neurotransmitters. Both innate and adaptive immune cells respond to neuronal signaling, but T cells appear to be at the helm of neuro-immune communication.