Cultivating a healthy neuro‐immune network: A health psychology approach

Abstract

The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) examines interactions among psychological and behavioral states, the brain, and the immune system. Research in PNI has elegantly documented effects of stress at multiple levels of the neuro‐immune network, with profound implications for both physical and mental health. In this review, we consider how the neuro‐immune network might be influenced by “positive” psychological and behavioral states, focusing on positive affect, eudaimonic well‐being, physical activity, and sleep. There is compelling evidence that these positive states and behaviors are associated with changes in immune activity in the body, including reductions in peripheral inflammatory processes relevant for physical health. Growing evidence from animal models also suggests effects of positive states on immune cells in the brain and the blood‐brain barrier, which then impact critical aspects of mood, cognition, and behavior. Tremendous advances are being made in our understanding of neuro‐immune dynamics; one of the central goals of this review is to highlight recent preclinical research in this area and consider how we can leverage these findings to investigate and cultivate a healthy neuro‐immune network in humans.

Limonene through Attenuation of Neuroinflammation and Nitrite Level Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effect on Mouse Model of Maternal Separation Stress

“…It has been shown that MS increased the expression of IL-1 β and TNF- α genes in the hippocampus [ 35 ]. Studies have showed that some agents effectively mitigating depressive-like behaviors significantly reduced the expression of genes relevant to neuroimmune response in the hippocampus [ 36 , 37 ]. Studies have shown that limonene reduced the inflammatory response and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines [ 14 ].…”

Psychoneuroimmunology in the time of COVID-19: Why neuro-immune interactions matter for mental and physical health

“…Although research in PNI has primarily focused on stress and other negative psychological states, there is growing recognition that positive psychological states may also modulate the immune system and neuro-immune interactions ( Bower, Kuhlman, Haydon, Boyle, & Radin, 2019 ). Here, we consider how positive psychological states, including positive affect, eudaimonic well-being, and social connection/support, are linked with antiviral immunity and inflammation.…”

“…For example, dispositional PA predicted a stronger antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination, lower risk of developing an upper respiratory infection following infection a cold or influenza virus, and lower risk of AIDS-related mortality ( Cohen, Alper, Doyle, Treanor, & Turner, 2006 ; Marsland, Cohen, Rabin, & Manuck, 2006 ; Moskowitz, 2003 ). PA is also associated with lower levels of circulating inflammatory markers, lower production of proinflammatory cytokines by immune cells (a measure of inflammatory potential), and reduced inflammatory activity in the laboratory and in daily life ( Bower et al, 2019 ). Importantly, associations between PA and immunity are maintained in analyses controlling for negative affect, demonstrating that PA has a unique link with the immune system.…”

“…Similar effects have been observed in the context of endotoxin administration and vaccination ( Kuhlman et al, 2019 ; Lasselin et al, 2021 ). These effects may be due to stress-related alterations in the blood-brain interface or increased activation of microglia, both of which can increase sensitivity to peripheral inflammation ( Bower et al, 2019 ). Of note, psychosocial resilience factors (e.g., positive affect, social connection, mindfulness) may buffer these effects ( Manigault, Kuhlman, et al ., in press) and can be cultivated by psychological interventions, considered in the next section.…”

A Biologically Inspired Algorithm for Low Energy Clustering Problem in Body Area Network

“…The typical wireless BAN consists of three parts: medical sensor nodes (the nodes or devices are generally placed on the human body), sink nodes, and network management nodes [6]. BAN is generally constructed with a distributed strategy.…”