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Neuroimmune Regulation for Acute Kidney Injury Therapy: Insights Along the Path From Bench to Bedside
William T Nash1, Mark D Okusa2
1Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Seminars in Nephrology
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Neuroimmune regulation via vagus nerve stimulation shows promise for preventing and treating acute kidney injury (AKI) by suppressing inflammation. Research continues to uncover complex mechanisms and therapeutic potential for this neuroimmune approach.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuroimmunology
- Inflammation
Background:
- Neuroimmune regulation is a key area for preventing and treating acute kidney injury (AKI).
- Vagus nerve stimulation, utilizing the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, can mitigate inflammatory responses.
- This pathway has shown therapeutic potential in animal models and human inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of vagus nerve-mediated neuroimmune regulation in AKI.
- To highlight areas of ongoing research and uncertainty.
- To explore promising therapeutic modulation strategies for AKI.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature published since 2000.
- Analysis of research on vagus nerve stimulation and its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Synthesis of findings related to neuroimmune mechanisms in AKI.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in understanding the mechanisms of neuroimmune-regulated protection in AKI.
- Identification of key elements involved in vagus nerve-mediated anti-inflammatory responses.
- Intriguing results and unexpected observations in neuroimmune research.
Conclusions:
- Vagus nerve stimulation is a promising therapeutic strategy for AKI.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate complex neuroimmune mechanisms.
- Targeting the neuroimmune system offers potential for novel AKI treatments.
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