Figure 1.
Schematic of the neural control of different pathways required for immunity in C. elegans.
At least seven neurons in the nervous system control microbial killing pathways and cellular homeostatic pathways. In addition to AQR, PQR, URX, ASH, and ASI neurons, dopaminergic neurons also control the p38 MAPK pathway. While ASH and ASI control the unfolded protein response (UPR), ADF and AFD control both the UPR and the insulin pathway. Neurally produced INS-7 and DBL-1 target somatic tissues to control immunity. A fine-tuned control of protein homeostasis and metabolism by the nervous system seems to be important to maintain immune homeostasis.