Dear colleagues,
I’d like to raise an interdisciplinary question that bridges neuroscience, genomics, and immunology:
To what extent can we explore and harness the interplay between neural activity (e.g., learning processes, EEG/MRI signals, or cognitive states) and molecular-level mechanisms such as gene expression or RNA pathways in peripheral cells?
More specifically:
• Are there known or hypothesized pathways through which neural signals or indicators of brain health can modulate immune system function?
• Could cognitive or neural states - such as stress, learning, or sleep - impact gene expression profiles relevant to immune responses?
• And might technologies like EEG or MRI help identify biomarkers that predict how individuals respond to vaccines or other immune-related therapies?
I’m especially curious whether these neural-immune interactions could eventually support the development of personalized vaccines or tailored immunological treatments based on brain-related indicators.
If you’re aware of any relevant research, theoretical models, or would simply like to brainstorm together - your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Original discussion: https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_can_cross-disciplinary_connections_be_established_between_brain_neurons_and_DNA_RNA_molecules_to_enable_mutual_learning_and_interaction
I'm ignorant in this field but cortisol and adrenergic pathways come to my mind.
Alexander Bontempo That’s a fascinating insight, Alexander - and it resonates well with a line of reasoning I’ve been developing.
@Yaniv Hozez the idea deserves a bibliography consultation at least
Alexander Bontempo I’m Absolutely agreed, Alexander - bibliographic grounding is essential, and I fully intend to delve into the literature in more depth. At this stage, I’ve been outlining the logical structure of the concept to clarify the research questions themselves. But you're right - mapping the relevant pathways in existing studies is the necessary next step.
If you happen to know of any particularly relevant sources or models, I’d genuinely appreciate your recommendations.
Give a look here. Just read the title: 10.1016/B978-0-12-384921-2.00006-9
Alexander Bontempo Thanks again, Alexander - I really value your engagement and critical thinking.
While I fully recognize that the model I’m proposing isn’t yet grounded in existing biomedical literature, I believe the logical structure behind it opens a path worth exploring.
I attempted to outline the initial theoretical framework in a previous paper titled “Why Does COVID-19 Affect People Differently?” - where I introduce the idea of a biological “+C” that modifies individual immune and neural responses, much like an integration constant in math.
The paper doesn’t offer experimental validation, but it sets up a formal lens to interpret biological individuality in clinical contexts. Here’s the link, if you’re interested: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342493670
Would genuinely appreciate any thoughts or critiques you might have - especially from someone with your background.
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