Lymphocytes transport serotonin and dopamine: agony or ecstasy?

Lymphocytes apparently carry active transport systems for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Meanwhile, pharmacological substrates for the transporters have been claimed to impinge on immune function: these include, commonly used antidepressants [such as fluoxetine (Prozac®)], appetite suppressants and the recreational drugs MDMA [3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)] and cocaine. Data on these issues can be patchy. Given the widespread use – or, abuse – of these drugs, we propose that a concerted effort should be made towards a full description of biogenic amine transporters in the immune system and the potential impact of their substrates – both natural and artificial – on its functioning. Could such knowledge one day help to treat immune deficiency and/or dysregulation?