Interdisciplinary research: Noradrenergic regulation of adaptive immunity

To understand the complexity of mechanisms involved in the regulation of adaptive immunity by the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine and adrenergic receptor stimulation, there must be a rich history of basic science and clinical findings upon which to form hypotheses for testing, as well as a rich supply of individuals trained in two or more disciplines. This review is intended to offer a tour of the past, present, and future discoveries that have been made in the area of adrenergic regulation of adaptive immunity, as well as share a vision of how our field of study will progress years from now, given that every individual who contributes to the interdisciplinary nature of our research is valued. And finally, this review will discuss how the lessons from the past can help us to attain a vision of interdisciplinary research for the future. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.