Identifying Neuroimmune Mechanisms Triggered by the Flu

Different types of influenza and viral infections affect the lung differently, and the immune and nervous systems collaborate to sense and respond to viral or bacterial infection. The immune and nervous systems collaborate to sense and respond to viral or bacterial infection. Recent data suggests that the immune system may use neuropeptides, or small molecules that neurons use to communicate, to control the nervous system. This team will analyze the neuroimmune response after lung infection in healthy animals and those with neuropeptides removed to understand the cells and signals involved in responding to viral infection.