Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is widely distributed in the nervous system, is involved in regulating a variety of biological processes, including food intake, energy metabolism, and emotional expression. However, emerging evidence points to NPY also as a critical transmitter between the nervous system and immune system, as well as a mediator produced and released by immune cells. In vivo and in vitro studies based on gene-editing techniques and specific NPY receptor agonists and antagonists have demonstrated that NPY is responsible for multifarious direct modulations on immune cells by acting on NPY receptors. Moreover, via the central or peripheral nervous system, NPY is closely connected to body temperature regulation, obesity development, glucose metabolism, and emotional expression, which are all immunomodulatory factors for the immune system. In this review, we focus on the direct role of NPY in immune cells and particularly discuss its indirect impact on the immune response.
Highlights
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a polypeptide consisting of 36 amino acid residues, was first isolated from the porcine brain in 1982
NPY has a variety of regulatory effects on immune cell activity, including proliferation, differentiation, cytokine secretion, migration, and phagocytosis, some of which are even contradictory
The complicated role of NPY and its signaling can be better understood if we consider that the role of NPY and the complexity of its signal transduction in intricate physiological or pathological contexts are correlated to the need for various types of regulation in a wide range of immune cell types to maintain appropriate homeostasis
Summary
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a polypeptide consisting of 36 amino acid residues, was first isolated from the porcine brain in 1982.
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