Lung-Innervating Neurons in Lung Homeostasis and Diseases

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pulmonology
• Immunology

Background:

• The lung is increasingly recognized as a sensory organ, not just for gas exchange.
• Vagal sensory neurons are key in sensing airway signals and influencing physiology.
• These neurons play roles in both normal lung function and disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on lung-innervating vagal sensory neurons.
• To highlight their role in neuroimmune crosstalk and disease pathogenesis.
• To identify future research directions and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of current knowledge from molecular profiling, genetic tools, and circuit-mapping.
• Emphasis on neuroimmune crosstalk, central integration, and disease pathogenesis.
• Identification of unresolved controversies and future research avenues.

Main Results:

• Vagal sensory neurons exhibit molecular diversity and specialized functions in the airways.
• These neurons regulate breathing, airway protection, and cardiopulmonary integration.
• They are implicated in airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, and neuroimmune remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Vagal sensory pathways are central to the lung-brain axis.
• Understanding these pathways offers potential therapeutic targets for lung diseases.
• Future research should focus on molecular logic, neuroimmune signaling, and neuromodulation.