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Reciprocal Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Immune Function

  • Circadian Rhythm Disorders (F Turek, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Sleep Medicine Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Although several papers have described circadian regulation of the immune function, our goal is to address the reciprocal interactions between the circadian and immune systems.

Recent findings

Timekeeping mechanisms have evolved to regulate energy balance in the face of predictable environmental changes. Mounting an immune response is energetically expensive; thus, it is beneficial to allocate resources to immunity when potential exposure to pathogens is highest. Temporally gated activities such as social interactions and eating coincide with increased pathogen exposure. Therefore, many components of immunity are regulated by the circadian system to maximize energy efficiencies. Reciprocally, it is beneficial for immune status to inform the circadian system to ensure adequate rest and recovery from infection and injury. Although the mechanisms controlling these processes remain unspecified, it is a critical relationship important for health and disease.

Summary

We highlight several examples of circadian gating of immune function. We further discuss the bidirectional pathways through which circadian disruption via light at night, jet lag, shift work, and sleep disruption contribute to reduced immune capacity, and how immune challenge can, in turn, alter circadian function.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Institute, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, The Ohio State University—Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Jeremy C. Borniger, Yasmine M. Cisse,  Surbhi & Randy J. Nelson

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Circadian Rhythm Disorders

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Borniger, J.C., Cisse, Y.M., Surbhi et al. Reciprocal Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Immune Function. Curr Sleep Medicine Rep 3, 93–103 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-017-0070-7

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