GABAergic signalling in the immune system.
Acta Physiol (Oxf)
; 213(4): 819-27, 2015 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25677654
ABSTRACT
The GABAergic system is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. Signalling of the transmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) via GABA type A receptor channels or G-protein-coupled type B receptors is implicated in multiple CNS functions. Recent findings have implicated the GABAergic system in immune cell functions, inflammatory conditions and diseases in peripheral tissues. Interestingly, the specific effects may vary between immune cell types, with stage of activation and be altered by infectious agents. GABA/GABA-A receptor-mediated immunomodulatory functions have been unveiled in immune cells, being present in T lymphocytes and regulating the migration of Toxoplasma-infected dendritic cells. The GABAergic system may also play a role in the regulation of brain resident immune cells, the microglial cells. Activation of microglia appears to regulate the function of GABAergic neurotransmission in neighbouring neurones through changes induced by secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The neurotransmitter-driven immunomodulation is a new but rapidly growing field of science. Herein, we review the present knowledge of the GABA signalling in immune cells of the periphery and the CNS and raise questions for future research.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Vertebrados
/
Linfocitos T
/
Receptores de GABA
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Neuronas GABAérgicas
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Inmunidad Celular
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Physiol (Oxf)
Asunto de la revista:
FISIOLOGIA
Año:
2015
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suecia