Modulating neuroimmune function: The key in taVNS therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders

Numerous lines of evidence indicate that the inflammatory state of neural tissue plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, with neuroinflammation contributing to the dysregulation of cellular immunity and heightened susceptibility to such disorders. Previous research has demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can attenuate inflammatory responses in both central and peripheral tissues, thereby ameliorating certain neurological disorders and enhancing cognitive function in the brain. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been validated in both clinical and preclinical studies as a noninvasive, straightforward, and cost-effective VNS technique. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which taVNS modulates immunopathological responses within brain tissue remain incompletely understood. Currently, there is a growing body of research investigating the modulation of neuroimmune function as a therapeutic approach for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Several studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms through which taVNS alleviates depression and cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting central immune inflammation from various perspectives. This review initially delineates the immunoregulatory role of VNS technology and its therapeutic relevance within the central nervous system (CNS). Within the framework of neuroimmune regulation, it offers an exhaustive analysis of pertinent research concerning the application of taVNS in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the modulation of immunoinflammatory pathways. Furthermore, this review constructs a theoretical framework to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The investigation into the interaction between VNS and neuroimmune regulatory networks facilitates the identification and development of novel therapeutic targets and pathways.