Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation
Published on: March 2, 2016
Cutting edge: Sympathetic nervous system increases proinflammatory cytokines and exacerbates influenza A virus
Kristie M Grebe1, Kazuyo Takeda, Heather D Hickman
1Laboratories of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
Although the sympathetic nervous system innervates the lung, little is known about its participation in host immunity to pulmonary pathogens. In this study, we show that peripheral sympathectomy reduces mouse morbidity and mortality from influenza A virus-induced pneumonia due to reduced inflammatory influx of monocytes, neutrophils, and NK cells. Mortality was also delayed by treating mice with an alpha-adrenergic antagonist. Sympathectomy diminished the immediate innate cytokine responses, particularly IL-1, which was profoundly reduced. These findings demonstrate an unexpected role for the sympathetic nervous system in innate antiviral immunity and in exacerbating the pathology of a virus of great significance to human and animal health.
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Sympathetic Activation
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

