Neuropeptides and their receptors in the immune system

Neuropeptides and their receptors are produced and expressed by neuroendocr ine tissues and function as neurotransmitters and/or mediators of well-defi ned hormonal activities in specific tissues and cells. However, neuropeptid es and their receptors are also found in the immune system, and various neu ropeptides are involved in both systems. In this review we discuss the role of two of these neuropeptides, somatostatin and substance P, with regard t o their receptor expression in the human immune system and their role in th e diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated diseases.