Circulating monocytic cells may mediate neuroinvasion in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by transporting prion protein (PrP) from sites of entry to the nervous system. Factors regulating rnonocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) functions in neuronal tissue include neurogenic mediators, but their interactions with prion-infected DCs are unknown. Here, we report that neuropeptides regulate the interaction of DCs exposed to PrP106-126. Inhibition of neurokinin-1-receptors activation with neurokinin-1-receptor antagonist or antibody attenuates substance P-induced enhancement of DC migration induced by PrP106-126 and prion-protein-induced DC maturation. Other neuropeptides arrest chemotaxis. Data support a priming role of the neuropeptide substance P in PrP106-126-induced migration of DCs involving neurokinin-1-receptors. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.