Distinct Roles of Sensory Neurons in Mediating Pathogen Avoidance and Neuropeptide-Dependent Immune Regulation.

ABSTRACT: Increasing evidence implies an extensive and universal interaction between the immune system and the nervous system. Previous studies showed that OCTR-1, a neuronal G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) analogous to human norepinephrine receptors, functions in sensory neurons to control the gene expression of both microbial killing pathways and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we found that OCTR-1-expressing neurons, ASH, are involved in controlling innate immune pathways. In contrast, another group of OCTR-1-expressing neurons, ASI, was shown to promote pathogen avoidance behavior. We also identified neuropeptide NLP-20 and AIA interneurons, which are responsible for the integration of conflicting cues and behaviors, as downstream components of the ASH/ASI

SUBMITTER: Cao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5726787 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature