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Hold Breath: Autonomic Neural Regulation of Innate Immunity to Defend Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Changle Wang1, Yan Zhao1, Hongxiu Qiao1
1Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel member of the genus of betacoronavirus, which caused a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. The innate immune system plays a critical role in eliminating the virus, which induces inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion, produces different interferons, and activates the adaptive immune system. Interactions between the autonomic nervous system and innate immunity release neurotransmitters or neuropeptides to balance the excess secretion of inflammatory cytokines, control the inflammation, and restore the host homeostasis. However, more neuro-immune mechanisms to defend against viral infection should be elucidated. Here, we mainly review and provide our understanding and viewpoint on the interaction between respiratory viral proteins and host cell receptors, innate immune responses to respiratory viral infection, and the autonomic neural regulation of the innate immune system to control respiratory viruses caused by lungs and airways inflammation.
Insights
The innate immune system combats SARS-CoV-2, with the autonomic nervous system regulating inflammation. Further research into neuro-immune mechanisms is crucial for understanding respiratory virus defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Virology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic.
- The innate immune system is vital for controlling viral infections.
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) interactions modulate innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuro-immune mechanisms in respiratory viral infections.
- To explore the interplay between viral proteins, host receptors, and immune responses.
- To elucidate the role of autonomic neural regulation in managing lung and airway inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on viral-host interactions.
- Analysis of innate immune responses to respiratory viruses.
- Examination of autonomic neural regulation of innate immunity.
Main Results:
- Respiratory viral proteins interact with host cell receptors.
- Innate immunity orchestrates cytokine secretion and interferon production.
- Autonomic neurotransmitters and neuropeptides help balance inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding neuro-immune interactions is key to combating respiratory viral infections.
- Autonomic neural regulation plays a significant role in controlling virus-induced inflammation.
- Further investigation into these mechanisms is needed to enhance host defense strategies.
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