Author: Nathalie Stakenborg1, Guy E Boeckxstaens1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Center of Intestinal Neuro-immune interaction, Translational Research Center for GI Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Conference/Journal: Int Immunol
Date published: 2021 Mar 31
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxab014. , Word Count: 118
Accumulating evidence shows that intestinal homeostasis is mediated by crosstalk between the nervous system, enteric neurons and immune cells, together forming specialized neuro-immune units at distinct anatomical locations within the gut. In this review, we will particularly discuss how the intrinsic and extrinsic neuronal circuitry regulates macrophage function and phenotype in the gut during homeostasis and aberrant inflammation, such as observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we will provide an overview of basic and translational IBD research using these neuronal circuits as a novel therapeutic tool. Finally, we will highlight the different challenges ahead to make bioelectronic neuromodulation a standard treatment for intestinal immune-mediated diseases.
Keywords: IBD; enteric nervous system; macrophages; vagus neve.
PMID: 33788920 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab014