Neuroimmune Regulation for Acute Kidney Injury Therapy: Insights Along the Path From Bench to Bedside

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, neuroimmune regulation has emerged as a compelling approach to the prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury. Vagus nerve stimulation through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can suppress inflammatory responses and demonstrate therapeutic potential in both animal disease models and a variety of human inflammatory conditions. The mechanisms underlying this neuroimmune-regulated protection are complex, but research undertaken since 2000 has significantly advanced our understanding of the key elements involved. This research has also yielded intriguing results and unexpected observations. In this review, we highlight current insights into vagus nerve–mediated neuroimmune regulation, areas of ongoing uncertainty, and promising directions for therapeutic modulation in AKI.