NGF modulates CGRP synthesis in human B-lymphocytes: a possible anti-inflammatory action of NGF?

We investigated whether the sensory neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), could be synthesised by human lymphocytes, Our results indicate that in activated B-cells, there is a strong expression of CGPP gene transcripts, which is almost absent in resting cells. Since B-cells autocrinally produce NGF, the neutralisation of endogenous NGF by anti-NGF antibodies resulted in a marked reduction in CGRP expression in both resting and activated B-cells. Thus, NGF appears to directly affect the synthesis of CGRP in B-cells as in sensory neurons. By regulating CGRP synthesis in lymphocytes and neuronal cells, NGF can influence the intensity and duration of the immune response. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.