Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Bioelectronic Approach to Regulate Autonomic Dysfunction and Inflammatory Diseases

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a bioelectronic neuromodulation technique that leverages the vagus nerve’s extensive bidirectional connections between the central nervous system and peripheral organs. As the tenth cranial nerve, the vagus plays a critical role in regulating autonomic processes such as heart rate, gastrointestinal motility, respiration, and immune responses. Its unique neuroanatomical distribution enables targeted modulation of both visceral functions and brain activity, providing a foundation for therapeutic interventions in a range of conditions. VNS has FDA approval for drug-refractory epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and certain headache disorders, with ongoing research exploring its utility in autonomic dysfunction, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and neuroprotection.The scientific rationale for VNS efficacy spans multiple mechanisms, which are highlighted in the following areas of interest:• Autonomic Regulation and Organ Protection: VNS modulates both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity to restore autonomic balance. This regulation protects organ function in conditions such as heart failure, acute kidney injury, and other pathophysiological challenges.• Neuroimmune Modulation: VNS activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, regulating immune cell function and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This mechanism offers therapeutic potential for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.• Metabolic Disorders: Emerging evidence indicates that VNS can influence appetite, body weight, and systemic inflammation. It is being investigated as a potential intervention for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and related conditions.• Gut-Brain Axis Interaction: VNS serves as a critical interface in the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain. It can modulate gut motility, influence gut microbiota composition, and affect mood and behavior linked to the gut-brain axis.• Neurological Disorder Treatment: VNS is clinically applied for drug-refractory epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and certain headache disorders. Research continues into its neuroprotective roles and potential applications in other neurological conditions.This collection aims to integrate fundamental autonomic neuroscience with clinical translation, highlighting mechanisms of VNS efficacy, novel therapeutic strategies, and insights into autonomic dysfunction across multiple organ systems. Contributions are particularly encouraged in areas including: neural mechanisms regulating autonomic function, neuroplasticity in response to pathophysiological challenges, vagal regulation of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, and modulation of neuroimmune and metabolic pathways.By emphasizing translational relevance, mechanistic insights, and clinical applications, this topic aligns with the Autonomic Neuroscience section’s mission to advance understanding of autonomic regulation, dysfunction, and its interactions with other physiological systems. It also supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.Dr. Crystal Noller is the founder of Neuromodulation Research, LLC (DBA of The Noller Lab), established to compete for federal research grants. This activity does not present a conflict of interest with the present Research Topic. Topic editors: Mazher Mohammed, Crystal Noller, Norianne Ingram Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77279/vagus-nerve-stimulation-a-bioelectronic-approach-to-regulate-autonomic-dysfunction-and-inflammatory-diseases