[Liver X receptors define the immune response during general adaptation syndrome (GAS)]

Abstract

The impact of stressful conditions on immunity seems mixed and at times counterbalanced. Such inconsistencies can often be attributed to the fact that the notion of stress has a very wide meaning and covers a large number of different situations. Research on liver X receptors using both natural and synthetic ligands may help to solve this conflict. When an infectious agent is present in a stressed body, LXR activation is likely to be a key element in the regulation of POMC, IFN-γ, and IL-18; moreover, it is a unique anti-inflammatory mode of action. They concurrently stimulate a non-specific immune reaction as they suppress inflammatory and autoimmune processes.

Keywords: Cortisol; Cytokines; Immune system; Lipid metabolism; Métabolisme lipidique; Stress; Système immunitaire; cytokines.