Lung-innervating nociceptor sensory neurons promote pneumonic sepsis during carbapenem-resistant lung infection.

Carbapenem-resistant (CRKP) causes Gram-negative lung infections and fatal pneumonic sepsis for which limited therapeutic options are available. The lungs are densely innervated by nociceptor sensory neurons that mediate breathing, cough, and bronchoconstriction. The role of nociceptors in defense against Gram-negative lung pathogens is unknown.