Crosstalk between Sensory Neurons and Local Immunity during Peripheral Inflammation

Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, perceive noxious stimuli from internal as well as external environments through nociceptive receptors and then transmit these signals to the central nervous system. Similarly, the innate immune system also recognizes external and internal danger signals from invading microbes or tissue injuries. The immune system and sensory neurons share mechanisms to respond to pathogen/damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors. Recent studies have identified an inseparable bidirectional connection between sensory neurons and the immune system that is important for maintaining tissue homeostasis and regulating inflammatory states, as well as affecting the progression of inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the recent findings on the crosstalk between sensory neurons and local immunity in peripheral tissues, including the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cornea, and joints. Understanding the mechanisms of this interaction can help in the development of therapeutic strategies to treat peripheral inflammatory diseases.