is transmitted through the nervous system (Body1) into behavioral stress responses (Behavior1) and increased NGF gene expression (RNA1). Up-regulated NGF increases SNS innervation of the lymph node, and thereby alters the functional relationship between the nervous and immune systems (Body2). When that functionally remodeled Body2 encounters a new viral infection in Environment2, increased SNS neurotransmitter release can inhibit transcription of Type I interferon genes (RNA2). As a consequence of that impaired anti-viral response, intensified disease alters physical tissue characteristics and behavioral capacities in the future (RNA3 and Behavior3). In this way, the experience of Environment1 not only “gets inside the body” but “stays there” in a concrete molecular sense that propagates through multiple gene transcriptional responses, physiologic systems, and time epochs.
