Global trends in research of neuroimmune in lung diseases over past decade: a bibliometric analysis

TL;DR

This paper maps global research trends in neuroimmune interactions in lung diseases over the past decade using bibliometric analysis.

Contribution

The study is the first to systematically analyze the knowledge structure and developmental trajectory of neuroimmunology in pulmonary diseases.

Findings

Annual publication output increased steadily, peaking at 280 articles in 2022.

The United States led in publications, followed by China, with Harvard University showing the highest impact.

Research hotspots include neuropeptides and autonomic regulation in asthma, with post-COVID expansion into neuro-pulmonary complications.

Abstract

The neuroimmune axis plays a crucial role in maintaining pulmonary homeostasis and influencing disease outcomes. Although significant progress has been made in this interdisciplinary field, the research remains scattered, and a unified understanding is still lacking. This study applies bibliometric techniques to delineate the knowledge landscape, examining its dynamics and structural features. The objective is to establish a systematic framework for fostering disciplinary consensus and directing future research directions.

Data for the primary bibliometric analysis and visualization were drawn from the Science Citation Index Expanded within the Web of Science Core Collection. Visualization was performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. To ensure the robustness and validity of our findings, a complementary dataset was retrieved from PubMed for cross-database comparative analysis. The WoS dataset served as the basis for the main analytical and visual mapping processes, while the PubMed dataset was utilized to verify the consistency of key trends and patterns.

Using the WoS Core Collection, 2,171 publications were analyzed. Annual output rose steadily over the past decade, peaking at 280 articles in 2022 (R² = 0.9315). The United States led with 699 publications, an H−index of 81 and 39.12 average citations, followed by China (n=547). At the institutional level, the University of California system was most productive (n=62), while Harvard University showed the greatest impact (4,652 total citations, H−index=31); collaboration analysis revealed a core-periphery network centered on Harvard Medical School, with Shanghai Jiao Tong and Fudan University increasing their collaborative activity. Research hotspots centered on neuroimmunity, notably neuropeptides and autonomic regulation in asthma, and have expanded post−COVID to neuro−pulmonary complications. Cross−database validation with PubMed (1,970 articles) confirmed high consistency in publication trends and core topics.

This study is the first to systematically analyze the knowledge structure and developmental trajectory of neuroimmunology in pulmonary diseases from 2015 to 2024. The analysis clarifies the leading position of USA and the rise of China and other emerging contributors. Cross−database validation supports the robustness of these findings. Collectively, these results deepen comprehension of the field’s knowledge framework and furnish empirical guidance for future research priorities and allocation of resources.

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