University of Hong Kong Study Reveals Immune Cells Communicate via Neural Neurotransmitter Pathways

New research from HKU reveals that immune cells produce neurotransmitters to regulate inflammation and cancer, opening doors for novel therapeutic interventions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Immunity & Inflammation

The Discovery of a Shared Biological Language

The traditional boundaries between the nervous and immune systems have been fundamentally blurred by new evidence confirming that immune cells are not merely passive recipients of neural signals. According to the research team led by Professor Liwei Lu, various innate and adaptive immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, actively produce classic neurotransmitters to direct complex physiological responses. This internal communication network allows the immune system to operate with a level of autonomy, using molecules like acetylcholine and dopamine to modulate its own behavior in both healthy and diseased states.

Intracellular Pathways and Signal Transduction

When these immune-derived neurotransmitters are released, they engage specific internal pathways that dictate how a cell will move, differentiate, or produce inflammatory markers. The review outlines how molecules such as GABA and serotonin trigger well-known signaling cascades, including the JAK–STAT and PI3K–AKT pathways, which are already primary targets in modern pharmacology. By hijacking these classic neural messengers, immune cells gain a sophisticated method for fine-tuning the body's defense mechanisms, effectively speaking a language previously thought to be exclusive to the brain and spine.

The Contextual Complexity of Molecular Signaling

One of the most striking findings of the HKU analysis is that a single neurotransmitter can produce diametrically opposite effects depending on the surrounding tissue and the specific cell involved. According to the authors, the impact of these chemicals is highly localized, meaning a substance that suppresses inflammation in one organ might inadvertently promote it in another. This dual nature presents a significant challenge for researchers, as the therapeutic application of these findings requires a precise understanding of the local microenvironment to avoid unintended systemic consequences.