[Neuroimmunology: is the immune system a sense organ?].

Through antigenic recognition, the immune system (SI) perceives an external information which is not directly perceptible by the central nervous system (SNC). So, two roles can be assigned SI: immuno-surveillance and information. Since 1980, it was proved that activated lymphocytes and others elements involved in the expression of immune response are able to secrete hormones, neuromediators and peculiar secretions. Moreover, the immune elements possess receptors for SNC secretions. A direct relations between lymphocytes, hypothalamus, hypophysis and endocrine glands has been suggested with implications in the understanding of some mental diseases and conditioning of the immune response. This view of immunoregulation confers a role of mobile brain or sensory organ to the SI.