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GABA ergic signalling in the immune system
Author(s) -
Barragan A.,
Weidner J. M.,
Jin Z.,
Korpi E. R.,
Birnir B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta physiologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.591
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1748-1716
pISSN - 1748-1708
DOI - 10.1111/apha.12467
Subject(s) - immune system , neurotransmitter , neuroscience , biology , receptor , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , neurotransmission , gabaergic , microbiology and biotechnology , central nervous system , neurotrophic factors , gamma aminobutyric acid , microglia , cell type , gabaa receptor , cell , immunology , inflammation , biochemistry
The GABA ergic system is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system ( CNS ) of vertebrates. Signalling of the transmitter γ ‐aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) via GABA type A receptor channels or G‐protein‐coupled type B receptors is implicated in multiple CNS functions. Recent findings have implicated the GABA ergic system in immune cell functions, inflammatory conditions and diseases in peripheral tissues. Interestingly, the specific effects may vary between immune cell types, with stage of activation and be altered by infectious agents. GABA / GABA ‐A receptor‐mediated immunomodulatory functions have been unveiled in immune cells, being present in T lymphocytes and regulating the migration of Toxoplasma ‐infected dendritic cells. The GABA ergic system may also play a role in the regulation of brain resident immune cells, the microglial cells. Activation of microglia appears to regulate the function of GABA ergic neurotransmission in neighbouring neurones through changes induced by secretion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. The neurotransmitter‐driven immunomodulation is a new but rapidly growing field of science. Herein, we review the present knowledge of the GABA signalling in immune cells of the periphery and the CNS and raise questions for future research.