Neuroimmunological

Neuroimmunological describes the relations between the nervous system and the immune system. It refers to processes in which immune activity influences neural development, signaling, plasticity, and pathology, and to mechanisms by which the nervous system modulates immune responses. The concept encompasses central and peripheral interactions and the bidirectional dialogue between neurons, glial cells, and immune cells.

Key players include resident CNS immune cells such as microglia and astrocytes, as well as infiltrating lymphocytes and myeloid cells. The blood-brain barrier and meninges regulate immune access to the CNS. Cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators orchestrate neuroinflammation, synaptic remodeling, and repair processes. Neuroimmune communication occurs in development, homeostasis, infection, injury, and disease.

Clinically, neuroimmunological considerations are central to autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, as well as CNS infections, autoimmune encephalitis, and certain neurodegenerative disorders where inflammation contributes to progression. Immune dysregulation can affect neural circuits underlying cognition, movement, and behavior.

Research methods include histology, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid profiling, and animal models to study immune–neural interactions. Treatments often aim to modulate the immune response to protect neural tissue, using immunotherapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, and targeted antibodies.

While neuroimmunology is the formal field, the adjective neuroimmunological is used to describe disorders, responses, or research topics pertaining to the neuroimmune interface.