Nicotine, an anti-inflammation molecule

Nicotine, as one of the most important components of cigarette smoke and the key contributor of initiating and maintaining tobacco dependence, has anti-inflammatory effect in the cells of both nervous system and immune system. Among the different types of subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), α7 nAChR is related to the immune response. Nicotine exerts anti-inflammatory effect through cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by binding to α7 nAChR. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine via binding to the α7 nAChR. We also reviewed the current findings of the nicotinic anti-inflammatory effect in various diseases and disorders. Especially, we focused on the nicotinic anti-inflammatory effect on influenza A virus infection.