The vertebrate immune systems operate in the complex environment of vertebrate tissues and organs. Much of current immunology research examines immune mechanisms isolated from their natural milieu. In this project our approach is to place the anti-viral immune response in its global context. We have begun these studies by examining the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system on anti-viral responses. Despite the longstanding appreciation of communication between the nervous and the immune systems, the nature and significance of these interactions to immunity remains enigmatic. Our studies will examine chemical ablation of the mouse sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and its affect on primary and secondary CD8+ T cell responses to viral antigens.
| Grebe, Kristie M; Takeda, Kazuyo; Hickman, Heather D et al. (2010) Cutting edge: Sympathetic nervous system increases proinflammatory cytokines and exacerbates influenza A virus pathogenesis. J Immunol 184:540-4 |
| Grebe, Kristie M; Hickman, Heather D; Irvine, Kari R et al. (2009) Sympathetic nervous system control of anti-influenza CD8+ T cell responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106:5300-5 |
