This research identifies a specific group of inhibitory neurons in the ventral medial preoptic area (VMPO) of the hypothalamus that acts as a central hub for managing sickness symptoms. These neurons are activated by immune signals like prostaglandins and cytokines released from nearby non-neuronal cells, such as astrocytes and ependymal cells, during infection. When these VMPOLPS neurons are triggered, they orchestrate essential survival responses including fever induction, warmth-seeking behavior, and appetite suppression. Conversely, removing these cells prevents mice from developing a fever when exposed to bacterial or viral mimics. The study further maps how these neurons connect to other brain regions to coordinate homeostatic and behavioral changes. Ultimately, the findings reveal the precise neural circuitry the brain uses to integrate immune information and generate a collective response to illness.

References:

• Osterhout J A, Kapoor V, Eichhorn S W, et al. A preoptic neuronal population controls fever and appetite during sickness[J]. Nature, 2022, 606(7916): 937-944.