Rheumatology Grand Rounds Highlight Autonomic-Immune Connection

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For decades, the autonomic nervous system and immune system were studied in isolation, but a growing body of research reveals a deeply interconnected relationship. Experts like Dr. Matthew Kodilinye at Stanford Medicine are shedding light on how dysfunction in either system can trigger a cascade of problems, from autoimmune diseases to chronic fatigue and long COVID. This understanding is reshaping how clinicians approach a wide range of conditions, with a focus on personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

Why it matters

The connection between the autonomic nervous system and immune system is not just academic - it has real-world implications for how we understand and treat a variety of chronic and autoimmune conditions. By recognizing this interplay, researchers and clinicians can develop more effective, personalized treatments that address the root causes of these complex disorders.

The details

Traditionally, the immune system was seen as the body's defense force, while the autonomic nervous system regulated internal functions. However, research shows the two systems are deeply interconnected, with the autonomic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, directly influencing immune cell activity. Dysfunction in either system can trigger a cascade of problems, such as chronic stress suppressing immune function or chronic inflammation damaging autonomic nerves. This intersection is particularly evident in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and long COVID, where both immune dysregulation and autonomic instability play a role.

• The Rheumatology Grand Rounds event will take place on February 27, 2026.
• A study on the connection between long COVID and mast cell activation syndrome was published in Nature Communications in 2023.

What’s next

The Rheumatology Grand Rounds event on February 27, 2026 will provide a deeper dive into the latest research and clinical implications of the autonomic-immune connection.