Innate Immune Sensing and Response to Influenza

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Bali Pulendran, Emory University; Mohan S. Maddur, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-01-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/82_2014_405
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
• ISSN: 0070-217X
• Volume: 386
• Start Page: 23
• End Page: 71
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (grants HHSN272201400004C, N01 AI50019, and N01 AI50025, R37 DK057665, R37 AI048638, U19 AI090023, U19 AI057266, U54 AI057157, U54 AI057160).
• Keywords: YELLOW-FEVER VACCINE; NATURAL-KILLER-CELLS; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Microbiology; DOUBLE-STRANDED-RNA; PLASMACYTOID DENDRITIC CELLS; INVARIANT NKT CELLS; TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS; A-VIRUS-INFECTION; PRIMARY HUMAN ALVEOLAR; Science & Technology; Immunology; BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL-CELLS; RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS
• Research Categories: Biology, Microbiology; Health Sciences, Immunology

Abstract

Influenza viruses pose a substantial threat to human and animal health worldwide. Recent studies in mouse models have revealed an indispensable role for the innate immune system in defense against influenza virus. Recognition of the virus by innate immune receptors in a multitude of cell types activates intricate signaling networks, functioning to restrict viral replication. Downstream effector mechanisms include activation of innate immune cells and, induction and regulation of adaptive immunity. However, uncontrolled innate responses are associated with exaggerated disease, especially in pandemic influenza virus infection. Despite advances in the understanding of innate response to influenza in the mouse model, there is a large knowledge gap in humans, particularly in immunocom-promised groups such as infants and the elderly. We propose here, the need for further studies in humans to decipher the role of innate immunity to influenza virus, particularly at the site of infection. These studies will complement the existing work in mice and facilitate the quest to design improved vaccines and therapeutic strategies against influenza.