Highlights of IMMUNOLOGY2026™ - Invited Program Recordings-From the lab to FDA-approval_ clinical translation of the inflammatory reflex

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, a neurosurgeon and immunology researcher, described a career focused on translating basic science into therapies. He recounted the accidental discovery of an “inflammatory reflex” after using a brain-delivered anti-inflammatory molecule in animals, which unexpectedly reduced systemic inflammation through the vagus nerve. This led to experiments showing that vagus nerve stimulation suppresses cytokines such as TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, protects animals from endotoxin-induced shock, and depends on specific cholinergic signaling pathways, including the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor in macrophages.<br /><br />He then explained how this insight was translated into human trials using implanted vagus nerve stimulation devices. Early studies in rheumatoid arthritis showed meaningful clinical benefit, and a larger randomized trial confirmed improved outcomes, with long-lasting responses and potential cost savings compared with biologic drugs.<br /><br />The talk also explored newer work suggesting that immune responses can be hardwired in the brain. The group identified brainstem neural circuits that can “remember” IL-1-driven inflammatory states and reproduce physiological and immune effects when reactivated. The speaker argued that neuromodulation is becoming a promising treatment strategy for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and that brain-immune circuitry may be central to future therapies.

Keywords

inflammatory reflex

vagus nerve stimulation

cytokine suppression

alpha-7 nicotinic receptor

rheumatoid arthritis

brain-immune circuitry

neuromodulation