Targeting the Dopaminergic System in Autoimmunity

Dopamine has emerged as a fundamental regulator of inflammation. In this regard, it has been shown that dopaminergic signalling pathways are key players promoting homeostasis between the central nervous system and the immune system. Dysregulation in the dopaminergic system affects both innate and adaptive immunity, contributing to the development of numerous autoimmune and inflammatory pathologies. This makes dopamine receptors interesting therapeutic targets for either the development of new treatments or repurposing of already available pharmacological drugs. Dopamine receptors are broadly expressed on different immune cells with multifunctional effects depending on the dopamine concentration available and the pattern of expression of five dopamine receptors displaying different affinities for dopamine. Thus, impaired dopaminergic signalling through different dopamine receptors may result in altered behaviour of immunity, contributing to the development and progression of autoimmune pathologies. In this review we discuss the current evidence involving the dopaminergic system in inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, we summarise and analyse the therapeutic approaches designed to attenuate disease development and progression by targeting the dopaminergic system. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].