Anti-inflammatory Pathway (Local Effect) (N/A)

The anti-inflammatory pathway with a local effect, exemplified by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), is an essential neuroimmune mechanism that regulates innate immunity at sites of injury or infection. It acts through neural signals (vagus nerve), neurotransmitters (acetylcholine), specific receptors on immune cells (α7-nAChR), leading to suppression of proinflammatory mediators while promoting resolution processes. Therapeutically targeting this system offers promising avenues for controlling pathological inflammation without broadly suppressing systemic immunity.

Other names

Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway (CAP)Local Anti-inflammatory MechanismsNeuroimmune Regulation of Inflammation

Vagus nerve stimulation, cholinergic agonists, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors modulate the activity of immune cells through the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), leading to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β by blocking NF-κB activation. Glucocorticoids, IL-10, and TGF-β act locally to dampen immune cell activity.