Abstract

Inflammation can cause damage and even death. What controls this primitive and potentially lethal innate immune response to injury and infection? Molecular and neurophysiological studies during the past decade have revealed a pivotal answer: immunity is coordinated by neural circuits that operate reflexively. The afferent arc of the reflex consists of nerves that sense injury and infection. This activates efferent neural circuits, including the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, that modulate immune responses and the progression of inflammatory diseases. It might be possible to develop therapeutics that target neural networks for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Author affiliations

1. Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
   Email: kjtracey@nshs.edu

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.