Bioelectronic Medicine: From Preclinical Studies on the Inflammatory Reflex to New Approaches in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment.

Bioelectronic medicine is an evolving field in which new insights into the regulatory role of the nervous system and new developments in bioelectronic technology result in novel approaches in disease diagnosis and treatment. Studies on the immunoregulatory function of the vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex have a specific place in bioelectronic medicine. These studies recently led to clinical trials with bioelectronic vagus nerve stimulation in inflammatory diseases and other conditions. Here, we outline key findings from this preclinical and clinical research. We also point to other aspects and pillars of interdisciplinary research and technological developments in bioelectronic medicine.