5-HT and the immune system

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2011 Feb;11(1):29-33. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.02.004. Epub 2011 Mar 8.

Abstract

The classical neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-HT), plays an important role outside of the central nervous system in immune signaling. Here I review recent studies describing 5-HT uptake in dendritic cells and B lymphocytes, 5-HT synthesis in T lymphocytes, and the role of specific 5-HT receptor subtypes in innate and adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, a recent paper describing the immune phenotype of 5-HT deficient mice is discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology*
  • Receptors, Serotonin / immunology*
  • Serotonin / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin