Clocking in to immunity

Apr 18, 2018Nature reviews. Immunology

The Body’s Internal Clock and Its Role in Immune System Function

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Abstract

Circadian rhythms regulate various physiological systems, including immune responses.

The circadian clock influences innate immune responses and several aspects of adaptive immunity.
Genetic and biochemical mechanisms connect immunity to the core circadian clock.
Circadian oscillations may play a significant role in the regulation of the immune system.
Insights into these mechanisms could inform vaccination strategies and the development of chrono-immunotherapy.

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Circadian rhythms are a ubiquitous feature of virtually all living organisms, regulating a wide diversity of physiological systems. It has long been established that the circadian clockwork plays a key role in innate immune responses, and recent studies reveal that several aspects of adaptive immunity are also under circadian control. We discuss the latest insights into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms linking immunity to the core circadian clock of the cell and hypothesize as to why the immune system is so tightly controlled by circadian oscillations. Finally, we consider implications for human health, including vaccination strategies and the emerging field of chrono-immunotherapy.

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Clocking in to immunity

Abstract

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