Relationship between Stress and the Immune System-related Disorders

Abstract

The immune system is vital for the health and proper functioning of living beings. This system plays an important role in coordinating the body's responses to physical injuries and infections, and if it does not function properly, illness and death are its consequences.Researchers in psychoneuroimmunology concentrate on fundamental and applied research to explore the effects of stressors and negative emotions on physiological well-being.Clinical research indicates a reciprocal interaction between the central nervous system,endocrine system, and immune system.Stress-induced immune system dysregulation involves both cellular and humoral responses. Moreover, chronic stress can trigger the release of pro -inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6, contributing to the development of several chronic illnesses. Vertebrates activate a stress response to manage harmful stimuli, involving physiological, hormonal, and behavioral changes. While adaptive in the short term, chronic stress becomes harmful, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Chronic stress increases pro-inflammatory cytokines, disrupts immune balance, and aggravates autoimmune diseases. It also contributes to conditions such as Alzheimer's, asthma, cancer, coronary artery disease, and etc. Given the potential health impacts of stress, enhancing our understanding of the intricate mechanisms through which stress affects immune function, along with identifying psychological factors that can either hinder or enhance the effects of stress on immune responses, appears crucial.This review examines the detrimental impact of stress on immune system-related disorders.