Immunomodulation by adrenal/gonadal hormones and sympathetic and sensory neurotransmitters.37
| Hormone | Modulation of innate and adaptive immune functions |
|---|---|
| COX-2, cyclo-oxygenase type II; DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; HLA, human lymphocyte antigen; IL, interleukin; IFN, interferon; NK, natural killer cell; TNF, tumour necrosis factor. | |
| Cortisol | Inhibition of oxidative burst, phagocytosis, collagenase production, antigen presentation, COX-2, IL1, IL2, IL6, IL12, IFNγ, TNF etc, support of Th2 pathways (together with norepinephrine) |
| DHEA | Inhibition of oxygen radical production, IL1, IL6, TNF |
| Oestrogen | Inhibition of IL1, IL6, TNF (pharmacologically high concentration), stimulation of immunoglobulin production (physiological concentration) |
| Progesterone | Inhibition of T helper 1 pathways, increase of T helper 2 pathways, increase of CD30 expression on T cells, inhibition of TNF, IL1β, and IL6 |
| Norepinephrine (via β adrenoceptors) | Inhibition of oxygen radicals, phagocytosis, NK cell activity, HLA class II expression, IL2, IFNγ, IL12, TNF, increase of Th2 pathways (together with cortisol) |