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Systemic eosinophil response induced by respiratory syncytial virus
C A Lindemans1, J L L Kimpen, B Luijk
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|June 1, 2006
Summary
Infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) show activated eosinophils, indicating inflammation. These eosinophil changes partially normalize after recovery, suggesting a lasting impact of RSV infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in infants.
- Eosinophils are implicated in LRTD pathogenesis, with inflammation potentially altering granulocyte function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activation status of eosinophils in infants with RSV-induced LRTD by analyzing surface marker expression.
- To compare eosinophil activation markers between RSV patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of eosinophil surface markers (CD11b, A17, A27, IL-5Ralpha) in 51 infants with RSV LRTD and 10 controls.
- Eosinophils were examined at admission and 6 weeks post-infection, with and without in vitro stimulation (fMLP).
Main Results:
- RSV patients exhibited higher eosinophil CD11b expression compared to controls.
- Priming markers (A17, A27) showed increased expression on stimulated eosinophils from RSV patients, suggesting in vivo priming.
- Interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Ralpha) expression was down-regulated in RSV patients.
- CD11b remained elevated at follow-up, while other markers normalized.
Conclusions:
- Infants with RSV LRTD have activated peripheral blood eosinophils compared to controls.
- This eosinophil activation state is only partially reversible during convalescence.
- Findings suggest a persistent inflammatory signature in eosinophils following RSV infection.