Neuro-immune communication in acute respiratory distress syndrome: the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a pathway that nerve system controls the innate immunity. This pathway plays a critical role in controlling the systematic inflammation. Moreover, this pathway regulates over immune-reaction to the inflammation after acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). The review summarized the connotation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, their contribution in modulation of ALI/ARDS, such as the new concept--pulmonary parasympathetic inflammatory reflex, as well as cells and molecules which are involved in this process. Considering the perspective of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, we may find new ways for ALI/ARDS treatment. Key words: Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway; Acute lung injury; Acute respiratory distress syndrome