Title:New Insights into Neuropeptides Regulation of the Immune System
and Hemopoiesis: Effects on Hematologic Malignancies
Volume: 29
Issue: 14
Author(s): Alessandro Allegra, Emanuela Sant’Antonio, Caterina Musolino and Roberta Ettari*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and
Environmental Chemistry, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Keywords:
Neurotransmitter, neuropeptides, hematopoiesis, immune system, hematological malignancies, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma.
Abstract: Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were reported to join in or cooperate
with different cells of the immune system, bone marrow, and peripheral cells. Numerous
data support that neuroactive molecules might control immune system activity
and hemopoiesis operating on lymphoid organs and the primary hematopoietic unit, the
hematopoietic niche. Furthermore, many compounds seem to be able to take part in the
leukemogenesis and lymphomagenesis process and in the onset of multiple myeloma. In
this review, we will assess the possibility that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may
have a role in the onset of haematological neoplasms, may affect the response to treatment,
or may represent a useful starting point for a new therapeutic approach. More in vivo
investigations are needed to evaluate neuropeptide’s role in haematological malignancies
and their possible utilization as an antitumor therapeutic target. Comprehending the
effect of the pharmacological administration of neuropeptide modulators on hematologic
malignancies opens up new possibilities in curing clonal hematologic diseases to achieve
more satisfactory outcomes.