A Thermostat for the Immune System
June 22, 2010 | Terry Sharrer
Realizing that an inflammation response is triggered by the brain via the vagus nerve, immunologist and neurosurgeon Kevin Tracey at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (Manhasset, NY) has shown in animal studies that artificial stimulation of the vagus can suppress immune responses in autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis. He has developed a device similar to those to treat epilepsy and chronic pain and formed a company, Setpoint Medical (Boston), to carry out human trials and commercial development. MORE