Meditation as a biological modulator: Mechanistic pathways of immune reprogramming across neuroendocrine and inflammatory networks
Wilairat Leeanansaksiri, Chavaboon Dechsukhum
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative September 7, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbii.2026.100190 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Argues that meditation functions as a top-down regulatory mechanism that recalibrates immune homeostasis through the HPA axis and vagal signaling, suppressing NF-κB and circulating cytokines and shifting immune cell phenotypes. The authors further contend that meditation induces epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone activity) and propose an integrated framework positioning meditation as a biologically active, low-cost, scalable intervention for immune-related disorders. |
Abstract
Meditation and related mind–body interventions are gaining recognition as promising adjunctive strategies for immune-related disorders, including chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. While traditionally viewed as tools for stress reduction and psychological well-being, emerging evidence demonstrates that meditation exerts measurable biological effects across multiple physiological systems. This review emphasizes on current findings and critical gaps to propose that meditation functions as a top-down regulatory mechanism that recalibrates immune homeostasis. Mechanistically, meditation engages neuroendocrine and autonomic pathways, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and vagal signaling, leading to downstream modulation of inflammatory processes. These effects include suppression of pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), reduction of circulating cytokines, and shifts in immune cell phenotypes toward enhanced regulatory and surveillance functions. In parallel, accumulating evidence indicates that meditation induces epigenetic modifications, including changes in DNA methylation and histone activity. These findings suggest the potential for both rapid and sustained reprogramming of gene expression related to immune function. We propose an integrated mechanistic framework linking neural regulation to immune outcomes, positioning meditation as a biologically active intervention rather than solely a psychological practice. Altogether, the evidence supports a paradigm shift: meditation represents a low-cost, low-risk, and scalable strategy capable of modulating immune function at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, with significant implications for integrative and preventive medicine.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 37
- Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review July 26, 2011
- Standardised Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Healthcare: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of RCTs PLoS One April 16, 2015
- Focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation: effects on attention, conflict monitoring, and creativity – A review Frontiers in Psychology September 23, 2014
- Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- The effect of loving-kindness meditation on positive emotions: a meta-analytic review Frontiers in Psychology November 3, 2015
and 32 more in the library