Psychoneuroimmunology: An Introduction to Immune-to-Brain Communication and Its Implications for Clinical Psychology


Author: Julienne E Bower1,2,3, Kate R Kuhlman3,4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; email: jbower@ucla.edu.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

<sup>3</sup> Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.

<sup>4</sup> Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
Conference/Journal: Annu Rev Clin Psychol
Date published: 2022 Feb 15
Other:
  Special Notes: doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080621-045153.   ,  Word Count: 179  
    Research conducted over the past several decades has revolutionized our understanding of the role of the immune system in neural and psychological development and function across the life span. Our goal in this review is to introduce this dynamic area of research to a psychological audience and highlight its relevance for clinical psychology. We begin by introducing the basic physiology of immune-to-brain signaling and the neuroimmune network, focusing on inflammation. Drawing from preclinical and clinical research, we then examine effects of immune activation on key psychological domains, including positive and negative valence systems, social processes, cognition, and arousal (fatigue, sleep), as well as links with psychological disorders (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia). We also consider psychosocial stress as a critical modulator of neuroimmune activity and focus on early life adversity. Finally, we highlight psychosocial and mind-body interventions that influence the immune system and may promote neuroimmune resilience. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 19 is May 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.





PMID: 36791765 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080621-045153