tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Viruses
. 2021 Oct 17;13(10):2090.
doi: 10.3390/v13102090.
Innate Immune Responses to Influenza Virus Infections in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Edin J Mifsud[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Miku Kuba[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Ian G Barr[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
The innate immune system is the host's first line of immune defence against any invading pathogen. To establish an infection in a human host the influenza virus must replicate in epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract. However, there are several innate immune mechanisms in place to stop the virus from reaching epithelial cells. In addition to limiting viral replication and dissemination, the innate immune system also activates the adaptive immune system leading to viral clearance, enabling the respiratory system to return to normal homeostasis. However, an overzealous innate immune system or adaptive immune response can be associated with immunopathology and aid secondary bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract leading to pneumonia. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms utilised by the innate immune system to limit influenza virus replication and the damage caused by influenza viruses on the respiratory tissues and how these very same protective immune responses can cause immunopathology.
Keywords: influenza virus; innate immune system; upper respiratory tract.
. 2021 Oct 17;13(10):2090.
doi: 10.3390/v13102090.
Innate Immune Responses to Influenza Virus Infections in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Edin J Mifsud[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Miku Kuba[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Ian G Barr[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 34696520
- DOI: 10.3390/v13102090
Abstract
The innate immune system is the host's first line of immune defence against any invading pathogen. To establish an infection in a human host the influenza virus must replicate in epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract. However, there are several innate immune mechanisms in place to stop the virus from reaching epithelial cells. In addition to limiting viral replication and dissemination, the innate immune system also activates the adaptive immune system leading to viral clearance, enabling the respiratory system to return to normal homeostasis. However, an overzealous innate immune system or adaptive immune response can be associated with immunopathology and aid secondary bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract leading to pneumonia. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms utilised by the innate immune system to limit influenza virus replication and the damage caused by influenza viruses on the respiratory tissues and how these very same protective immune responses can cause immunopathology.
Keywords: influenza virus; innate immune system; upper respiratory tract.