A vagal reflex evoked by airway closure. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38448588/)

These scientists wanted to understand how our body protects our airways to help us breathe properly. They found that there are special nerve cells called sensory neurons that help keep our airways clear and working well. These neurons can sense when our airways are being blocked and send signals to make us gasp for air.

The scientists used special imaging techniques to look at these sensory neurons in action. They discovered that there are specific neurons that detect when our airways are closing up, but not when they are stretching. These neurons connect to clusters of cells in our lungs called neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs).

By studying the genes of these NEBs, the scientists found that they have a special receptor called PIEZO2 that helps them sense when the airways are closing. When they blocked this receptor in the NEBs, the gasping response to airway closure was eliminated.

This study showed that these NEBs are important for helping us sense when our airways are in danger and need to be cleared. Just like how we have special cells in our skin for feeling touch, these NEBs are like special cells in our lungs for feeling when our airways are blocked. This research helps us understand more about how our body protects our ability to breathe properly.

Schappe MS., Brinn PA., Joshi NR., Greenberg RS., Min S., Alabi AA., Zhang C., Liberles SD. A vagal reflex evoked by airway closure. Nature. 2024 Mar 6. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07144-2.