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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Respiratory virus infections in the immunocompromised host

Alexandra Soldatou1, E Graham Davies

  • 1Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, WC1 N 3JH, London, UK.

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|July 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Immunocompromised children face rising risks from respiratory viruses like measles and herpesviruses. Advances in diagnostics, antivirals, and immunotherapies offer hope, alongside future vaccines, to improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The population of immunocompromised children is growing, increasing their susceptibility to severe infections.
  • Common community and hospital-acquired respiratory viruses (ortho- and paramyxoviruses, measles) pose significant risks.
  • Transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to reactivation illnesses from herpesviruses and adenoviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of viral infections in immunocompromised children.
  • To discuss current and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
  • To highlight the future role of immunotherapies and vaccines.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of viral infections in immunocompromised pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of current diagnostic tools, including rapid molecular techniques.
  • Evaluation of existing and developing antiviral and immunotherapeutic treatments.

Main Results:

  • Severe lower respiratory tract disease is common from viruses like ortho- and paramyxoviruses.
  • Measles poses a resurgent threat.
  • Herpesviruses and adenoviruses can cause life-threatening diseases, especially in transplant patients.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid diagnostics and antiviral therapies improve outcomes, despite limited clinical trial data.
  • Immunotherapies (antibody and T-cell based) are emerging as key prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.
  • Vaccine development for common respiratory diseases is crucial for reducing risks in susceptible children.

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