Nociceptor neurons protect from allergen-induced anaphylaxis

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction affecting ∼5% of the population. It can be secondary to medications, food, or venom exposure and is generally believed to be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated. Our work in neuro-immunology has shown that allergen-sensitized vagal sensory neurons overexpress FcεR1 and, through their interplay with IgE-producing plasma cells, these neurons can detect antigen-antibody complexes.