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Neural regulation of immunity: molecular mechanisms and clinical translation

Abstract

Studies bridging neuroscience and immunology have identified neural pathways that regulate immunity and inflammation. Recent research using methodological advances in molecular genetics has improved our understanding of the neural control of immunity. Here we outline mechanistic insights, focusing on translational relevance and conceptual developments. We also summarize findings from recent clinical studies of bioelectronic neuromodulation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

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Figure 1: Vagus nerve-mediated reflex circuitry in immunity and inflammation.

Debbie Maizels/Springer Nature

Figure 2: Axon reflex-like regulation of inflammation in bacterial infection.

Debbie Maizels/Springer Nature

Figure 3: Neural modulation of T cell access to CNS.
Figure 4: Catecholaminergic circuits in the neural regulation of immune responses.

Debbie Maizels/Springer Nature

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank S. Kerath, B. Sherry and S. Chavan for critically reading the manuscript. This work was supported by the following grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health: R01GM089807 (to V.A.P. and K.J.T.) and R01GM057226 (to K.J.T.).

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Correspondence to Valentin A Pavlov or Kevin J Tracey.

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The authors declare that they are inventors named on patents related to the content of this manuscript. K.J.T. also declares that he is a consultant to SetPoint Medical.

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Pavlov, V., Tracey, K. Neural regulation of immunity: molecular mechanisms and clinical translation. Nat Neurosci 20, 156–166 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.4477

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