Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and COVID-19.

Authors :: Mehranfard D
Speth RC
Source :: BioImpacts : BI [Bioimpacts] 2022; Vol. 12 (2), pp. 171-174. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jan 22.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) first described by Wang et al, 2003 has contemporary interest arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. While tobacco smoking has been considered an aggravating factor in the severity of COVID-19 infections, it has been suggested by some that the nicotine derived from tobacco could lessen the severity of COVID-19 infections. This spotlight briefly describes the CAP and its potential role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of COVID-19 infections using vagus nerve stimulation or selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists.<br /> (© 2022 The Author(s).)