Background & Aims

Nociceptors, the sensory neurons that detect noxious stimuli and trigger pain, interact with immune cells to modulate immune responses. The nociceptor-released neuropeptide Substance P promotes B cell polarization, antibody class switching to IgE, and IgE release in models of allergic inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether nociceptors respond to vaccine adjuvants and control IgG production and clonal selection in the context of vaccination.

Methods

We activated and sensitized sensory neurons from mice with vaccines and adjuvants against influenza virus and pneumococcal and meningococcal bacteria in vitro and evaluated influenza vaccine-specific IgG antibody levels in mice with ablated nociceptors.

Results

Our results showed that sensory neurons respond to vaccines and exhibit differential activation by various noxious ligands. In mice with ablated nociceptors, IgG2c titers were reduced, while capsaicin-treated mice showed increased IgG titers.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a role for nociceptors in maintaining humoral immunity after vaccination. We will further explore how sensory neuron ablation or overactivation affects B-cell trafficking and antibody production in response to vaccination and pathogen challenges in mice. This research provides insights into the role of nociceptor neurons in humoral immune responses during vaccination and has implications for the development of more effective vaccines.

References

N/A

Presenting Author

Surbhi Gupta

Poster Authors

Surbhi Gupta

Honours Bachelor of Science

Queen’s University

Lead Author

Topics

  • Mechanisms: Biological-Systems (Physiology/Anatomy)