The Journal of infectious diseases
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The Toll-like receptor (TLR) plays an important role in the induction of the hyperinflammatory response and tissue injury in sepsis. The cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway serves as a link between the parasympathetic and innate immune systems. We examined the antiinflammatory effect of nicotine, a potent α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist, with regard to TLR expression and signaling during sepsis. ⋯ Our findings suggest that stimulation of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway by nicotine protects against septic injury and that this may be associated with inhibition of TLR4 expression via α7nAChR/PI3K signaling.
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High mortality and uncertainty about the effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) in humans infected with influenza A(H7N9) viruses are public health concerns. ⋯ H7N9 viruses are comparable to currently circulating influenza A viruses in susceptibility to NAIs. Based on these animal studies, early treatment is associated with improved outcomes.