What is it about?
Immune cells, such as T and B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages have the ability to synthesize acetylcholine (ACh) and express various subtypes of muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively). Expression of these cholinergic components in immune cells is up-regulated by antigen presentation and immunological activation of immune cells. Involvement of mAChRS and nAChRs in regulation of immune function has been demonstrated using M1/M3-mAChR-KO and alpha7 nAChR-KO mice.
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Why is it important?
Our findings provide evidence that mAChRS and nAChRs in immune cells regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine leading to antigen-specific antibody synthesis.
Perspectives
I hope the readers of this article will notice the possibility that agents modfying the actvitiy of mAChRS and nAChRs will be applicable to the treatment of immune disorders.
Koichiro Kawashima
Gakko Hojin Kitasato Kenkyujo
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Reconciling neuronally and nonneuronally derived acetylcholine in the regulation of immune function, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, July 2012, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06516.x.
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